Matthew Garver is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Nutrition, Kinesiology, and Health at the University of Central Missouri (UCM). He joined UCM in Fall 2016 after completing his Ph.D. in Exercise Science at The Ohio State University and teaching for five years in Abilene, Texas. Education: Ph.D. in Exercise Science (The Ohio State University) Garver’s research focuses on applied human performance, with emphasis on resistance training, interlimb asymmetry in athletes, and the intersection of exercise science with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). His work spans collegiate sports, track and field, and health interventions for special populations. Recent publications highlight his exploration of artificial intelligence in sport science ethics, DEI initiatives in exercise research, and position-specific training in collegiate female soccer. His studies also address exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, biomechanical asymmetry in American football players, and affective responses to resistance training. Garver has contributed to understanding physical activity’s role in older adults, particularly patients with knee osteoarthritis, through the IMPACT-P trial. His interdisciplinary approach bridges kinesiology, physiology, and social science in promoting health and athletic performance. At UCM, he teaches courses in Kinesiology and leads research initiatives aimed at optimizing human performance and health outcomes through evidence-based strategies.
Sarah Harper is the Clore Professor of Gerontology at the University of Oxford and Director of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing. She was appointed a CBE in 2018 for services to Demography and serves as Chair of HelpAge International. Professor Harper has held numerous influential positions including serving on the Prime Minister's Council for Science and Technology and as Director of the Royal Institution of Great Britain. Her educational background includes an MA from Cambridge and a DPhil from Oxford. Prior to her academic career, she trained with the BBC as a News and Current Affairs Reporter and Producer. She subsequently held academic positions at the University of London and the University of Chicago before returning to Oxford to found the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing. Professor Harper's research focuses on demographic change, particularly the implications of falling fertility and increasing life expectancy. Her work examines life course factors in healthy ageing, social and economic drivers of health and well-being, with emphasis on life transitions. She has conducted significant research on eldercare in China, fertility patterns in sub-Saharan Africa (revealing that ideal family size remains high despite girls' education), and demographic changes in Vietnam and Myanmar affecting agricultural production and food security. Her publication record demonstrates consistent focus on global demographic trends, with recent work increasingly addressing the intersection of population change with environmental challenges. She has authored influential books including 'How Population Change Will Transform Our World' (Oxford University Press, 2016) and is working on a new book for Cambridge University Press on Population and Environmental Change. Scientific Awards and Honors CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2018 for services to Demography Royal Society for Public Health: Arts and Health Research Award (2011) Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences Fellow of the Royal Anthropology Institute Professor Harper has supervised numerous PhD students across diverse topics from biodiversity conservation in Southeast Asia to intergenerational solidarity in Turkey. Her advisory work extends globally, having served on the Scientific Advisory Board of Natural England, the Royal Society's Working Group on Population and Environment, and as an advisor to governments including the UK, Malaysia, Singapore, and the European Commission. She has received research funding from organizations including the US National Institutes of Health, which supported the founding of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing. As Director of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, Professor Harper leads a multidisciplinary team examining demographic trends and their societal implications. The Institute serves as a hub for international collaboration on ageing research, working with organizations including Population Europe and the International Association of Research Universities. She also serves as founding editor of the Journal of Population Ageing and editor of the Handbook of Ageing and Public Policy.
Dr. Shari Sabeti is a Senior Lecturer in Arts and Humanities Education at the Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh. She holds a PhD in English Literature from the University of Cambridge and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). Her research focuses on arts, cultural heritage, and decolonizing education, with projects in museums, schools, and Pacific Island communities. She has led initiatives in the Marshall Islands, Samoa, and Hawaii, emphasizing participatory and arts-based methodologies. Education: MA (Hons) English (Cambridge, 1994), MA English and American Literature (UCL, 1995), PhD English Literature (Cambridge, 1999), PGCE Secondary English (IOE, 2002). She has taught at the University of Stirling and the University of Edinburgh, where she currently organizes courses on anthropology of education, creative pedagogies, and literacy. Research interests include museum education, decolonizing approaches, Pacific Island education, and creative writing pedagogy. Her work bridges anthropology, ethnography, and arts-based methods, exploring community resilience and identity formation. Recent projects include 'Remediating Stevenson' (AHRC-funded, 2022–2025) and studies on Marshallese displacement through arts education. Awards and grants include a £1M AHRC Standard Grant for decolonizing Pacific literature and multiple GCRF awards for education in the Marshall Islands. She has supervised over a dozen PhD students on topics like museum pedagogy, diaspora education, and creative writing practices. Labs/Networks: Centre for Creative Relational Inquiry, Digital Cultural Heritage Network, Atelier Creative Arts and Social Sciences Network. Her work often involves partnerships with museums, NGOs, and international communities.
Dr. Angela Goins is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of Houston-Downtown , affiliated with the College of Public Service. She holds a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Houston, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of St. Thomas. Her teaching focuses on foundational social work courses such as Case Management , Human Behavior in the Social Environment , and practice with specialized populations like older adults and children/adolescents. Research interests center on curricular innovation in social work education, service learning methodologies, and policy analysis. Her work has been recognized through grants and awards, including the High Impact Grant for Service Learning and multiple Scholarly Innovation Awards . Curricular Innovation in Social Work Education Service Learning Applications Human Behavior and Social Environment Geriatric Social Work Child and Adolescent Services Crisis Intervention Dr. Goins has received significant recognition for her teaching and scholarship, including repeated nominations for the UHD Outstanding Lecturer Award and grants supporting community engagement initiatives. She actively teaches courses such as Community Navigation , Practice with Aging Populations , and Field Experience components.
Karyn Moffatt is an Associate Professor in the School of Information Studies at McGill University and holds the Canada Research Chair in Inclusive Social Computing. As Graduate Program Director for the PhD program, she leads the Accessible Computing Technologies Research Group (ACT Lab), focusing on designing inclusive computing applications that support social engagement across diverse lifespans and abilities. Her work bridges human-computer interaction, accessibility research, and real-world community impact. Educational background: PhD in Computer Science, University of British Columbia MSc in Computer Science, University of British Columbia BASc in Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia Research Interests: Dr. Moffatt's work centers on inclusive social computing with emphases on aging populations , disability access , and intergenerational communication . She investigates how technology can overcome barriers to social participation through co-design methodologies, particularly for older adults and individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities. Current projects explore AI-enhanced aging support, dementia-friendly social platforms, accessible financial technology, and respite care coordination systems. Her approach integrates participatory design with rigorous usability testing to create solutions that address real-world challenges in healthcare, finance, and community engagement. Publication Trends: Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on aging and accessibility (60% of works), with growing emphasis on AI ethics (2025), dementia support systems (30% of 2023-2024 works), and accessible financial technology (2024). Methodologically, 75% employ co-design or participatory approaches, while 40% involve longitudinal field studies. Key venues include CHI (33%), ASSETS (20%), and ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing (27%), demonstrating leadership in top-tier HCI and accessibility forums. Scientific Awards: Multiple Best Paper Awards from ASSETS, CHI, and CSCW conferences Canada Research Chair in Inclusive Social Computing Advising and Grants: Dr. Moffatt currently supervises PhD candidates Chong Hu and Muhe Yang, having graduated four students since 2022 including Maurício Fontana De Vargas (2023) and Carrie Dai (2023). Her active grants include: NSERC Discovery Grant (2024-2029) as PI: Ethical AI for active aging Canada Research Chair renewal (2022-2027) as PI McGill Nursing Collaborative grant (2023-2025) as Co-I: iRespite mHealth app for palliative care Labs and Teams: She directs the ACT Lab, which partners with healthcare providers, public libraries, and community organizations to develop and deploy inclusive technologies. Current initiatives include the QuickPic AAC system for speech therapy, dementia-focused social programs with Montreal libraries, and Quebec-wide respite care coordination tools, all developed through interdisciplinary collaboration with clinicians, caregivers, and end-users.
Dr. Vasileios Stavropoulos is the Associate Dean, Higher Degree Research at RMIT University's Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences. His research focuses on behavioral addictions, digital phenotyping, and the psychological impacts of digital media, particularly in gaming and social media contexts. He supervises numerous research projects addressing topics like cyber-phenotyping via text mining, disordered gaming, and the interplay between digital media and mental health. Key research interests include the psychological mechanisms underlying problematic gaming and social media use, network analysis of addiction symptomologies, and the role of user-avatar bonds in behavioral disorders. His work integrates machine learning and behavioral science to predict and analyze addictive behaviors. Dr. Stavropoulos has published extensively on gaming disorder, social media addiction, and the mental health implications of digital media use. His collaborations span clinical psychology, public health, and computational methods, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to addressing modern behavioral challenges. He is actively engaged in higher degree research governance at RMIT, overseeing doctoral programs and fostering innovation in research methodologies. His contributions include developing scales for measuring addiction behaviors and advancing longitudinal studies on mental health correlations with digital engagement.
Cara Keifer, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Child Psychology in the Child Study Center at Yale University's Yale School of Medicine. Her research focuses on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly social cognition, electrophysiological measures of face processing, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. She holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Stony Brook University (2021), an MA from the same institution (2017), and a BA in Psychology from Haverford College (2013). Her work integrates behavioral and neural methodologies to understand social perception deficits in ASD. Key studies include investigations into face inversion effects, emotional face recognition biases, and EEG correlates of anxiety treatment responses. She collaborates with the McPartland Lab and contributes to translational research initiatives. Recent publications highlight advancements in phenotypic classification of ASD using machine learning and exploration of social motivation constructs. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges clinical, cognitive, and neuroscientific perspectives to advance ASD diagnosis and intervention strategies.
Lourdes Ortega is a Professor in the Department of Linguistics at Georgetown University and serves as Faculty Director of Georgetown’s Initiative for Multilingual Studies. Her work focuses on multilingualism beyond childhood, equitable language education, and decolonial epistemologies. She mentors students at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Former positions include roles at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (2004-2012), Northern Arizona University (2002-2004), and Georgia State University (2000-2002). Education: Ph.D. and M.A. from University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Her research investigates how multilingualism develops in non-native contexts, advocating for social justice and equity in language education. Key contributions include her award-winning 2000 meta-analysis in Language Learning , the textbook Understanding Second Language Acquisition (2009), and co-editing The Cambridge Handbook of Bilingualism (2019). Recent work addresses under-studied languages like Arabic and Urdu in U.S. K-12 education, emphasizing decolonial and Indigenous frameworks. She has published extensively in top journals such as Applied Linguistics , Studies in Second Language Acquisition , and World Englishes . Awards: Gerald M. Mara Faculty Mentoring Award (2016, 2020), Pimsleur Award (2001), and 2023 recognition as a top 2% cited researcher. She advises 22 doctoral students and has secured grants supporting multilingual education research. Leads Georgetown’s Initiative for Multilingual Studies, co-chairs the Harmonious Bilingualism Network (HaBilNet), and edits Language Learning . Served as President of the American Association for Applied Linguistics (2023-2024). Her work bridges theory and practice, prioritizing cura personalis (care for the individual) in mentoring and advocating for multilingual well-being.
Professor David Alldred is a Professor of Medicines Use and Safety at the University of Leeds' School of Healthcare, within the Faculty of Medicine and Health. His expertise spans medicines optimisation, patient safety, deprescribing, and care home medication management. He leads key research initiatives such as the NIHR Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Research Collaboration's 'Decluttering Safely for Safety' theme and co-leads the School of Healthcare's Quality and Safety research theme. Education: PhD (clinical research on care home medication review), MSc in Clinical Pharmacy, PGCert in Learning and Teaching, and BPharm (Hons). Professional memberships include Fellowships of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the Higher Education Academy. Research focuses on improving medication use for older adults in care homes and underserved populations, employing systematic reviews, qualitative studies, and RCTs. Notable projects include the CHUMS study (Department of Health-funded medication error analysis in care homes) and leadership roles in NIHR Programme Grants like CHIPPS and CHARMER. He collaborates with NHS England to implement medicines optimisation programs and co-designed multilingual medication review resources to reduce health inequalities. Awards include the Pharmacy Practice UK Research Award (2015) and NIHR Senior Investigator status (2025). His work emphasizes translating evidence into clinical practice, with over 150 publications and supervising NIHR-funded doctoral students in critical care, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and geriatrics. Led the Care Homes' Use of Medicines Study (CHUMS), contributed to NICE guidelines for care home medicines management, and developed interventions like the Medicines at Transitions Intervention (MaTI) for heart failure patients. His research themes address polypharmacy reduction, medication safety across care transitions, and pharmacist-led deprescribing strategies.
Dr. Angeline Lillard is Commonwealth Professor of Psychology and Director of the Montessori Science Program at the University of Virginia. She leads the Early Development Lab, focusing on children's social and cognitive development, particularly Montessori education's impact on learning and wellbeing. A Fellow of AAAS, APA, and APS, she earned her BA in English Literature from Smith College and PhD in Psychology from Stanford University. Research Interests: Dr. Lillard's work bridges Montessori pedagogy with developmental psychology, analyzing how play, educational environments, and culturally responsive teaching shape child outcomes. She explores standardized testing disparities, discipline equity, and the neurobiological underpinnings of pretend play. Key themes in her 15 most recent publications include Montessori's role in reducing educational inequality, the cognitive effects of fantasy in media, and the use of multilevel modeling to assess school discipline patterns. Her research spans preschool to adult wellbeing, emphasizing self-determination theory and longitudinal data. Scientific Recognition: Awarded the Nancy Staub Award for Puppetry Research (2024) Recognized for her book with the Cognitive Development Society Book Award (2006) James McKeen Cattell Sabbatical Fellow (2005-06) Albert Bandura Graduate Research Award (2016-17) Advising and Grants: Mentored 15+ graduate students including Lee LeBoeuf and Christina Carroll. Secured IES funding for a 600-child study on public Montessori preschools and Arnold Foundation support for kindergarten data collection.
Ricardo Filipe da Silva Pocinho is an academic researcher affiliated with the Higher School of Education and Social Sciences (ESECS) at the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Portugal. He joined the faculty in March 2022 and holds the role of Assessor in the Regional Health Administration of the Center (ARS Centro). His primary research focuses on educational evaluation , social competence development , and pedagogical innovation , with emphasis on school-based interventions and socioemotional learning programs. He has supervised five doctoral students and published extensively on topics including family involvement in education, pandemic impacts on teaching, and workplace happiness initiatives. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining educational psychology with social work methodologies. Recent publications highlight projects like the 'Smiling Team' workplace well-being program and evaluations of educational interventions for youth transitioning from residential care. He collaborates closely with institutions like the University of Coimbra and has presented at major conferences such as TEEM20 and the International Conference on Childhood and Adolescence. Key contributions include designing programs to promote socioemotional competencies in schools and analyzing social policies during pandemics. His research emphasizes practical applications, evidenced by projects like the 'Third Age Universities' study in Portugal and Brazil, and pedagogical innovations in technical director training.
Christopher G. Tarolli, MD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He specializes in movement disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, and serves as Director of the Mind, Brain, Behavior neuroscience course and Associate Program Director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program. His work bridges clinical practice with research in wearable sensor technology, palliative care, and health professions education. MD from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine (2012) Residency & Fellowship at University of Rochester Medical Center (2012-2018) Masters of Science in Health Professions Education (Warner School, UR) Dr. Tarolli's research focuses on novel technologies for neurological assessment, practice-based research in movement disorders, and palliative care models. He has contributed to studies on wearable sensors, remote video-based clinical trials, and symptom burden analysis in Parkinson's and Huntington disease. His work emphasizes patient-centered care and digital health innovation. Recent publications highlight his expertise in: Wearable sensor validation for neurodegenerative diseases Telemedicine applications in Parkinson's disease Palliative care integration across disease trajectories Smartphone-based Huntington's disease monitoring Machine learning for movement disorder severity quantification Quality measures in Parkinson's care Awards include the Herbert W. Mapstone Prize for Excellence in Second Year Teaching and participation in the American Academy of Neurology Emerging Leaders Program. Dr. Tarolli also leads clinical research initiatives and educational programs at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Dr. Jerry K. Hoepner serves as Professor and Assistant Chair in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire's College of Health and Human Sciences, where he has taught full-time since 2007 after beginning part-time in 2003. His roles include Student Engagement Coordinator and CSD Ambassadors Advisor, with clinical supervision remaining integral to his work. His educational foundation includes a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, an M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from UWEC, a B.S. in Psychology from Minnesota State University - Mankato, and an A.A. from Bethany Lutheran College. He holds ASHA Certification (CCC-SLP) and Wisconsin State Licensure. Dr. Hoepner's research pioneers video self-modeling interventions, counseling methodologies, and healthcare perceptions for individuals with acquired cognitive-communication disorders, particularly traumatic brain injury (TBI) and aphasia. His innovative work encompasses the Chippewa Valley Aphasia Camp, Thursday Night Poets collective, and TBIconneCT/FUNconneCT social communication interventions. As co-founder of ASHA SIG20 for Counseling in CSD and the UWEC CSD SoTL Lab, he bridges scholarship with clinical practice while editing Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences and Disorders . His publication trajectory reveals intensifying focus on qualitative analysis of patient experiences, project-based rehabilitation techniques, and counseling integration within SLP practice, with recent work examining poetry interventions, telehealth delivery, and sociolinguistic assessment frameworks. His distinguished recognition includes: ASHA Fellow designation (2021) UW System Regent's Teaching Excellence Award (2020) CAPCSD Distinguished Contribution Award (2023) Aphasia Access President's Award (2023) Multiple mentoring and scholarly honors Dr. Hoepner has mentored countless undergraduate research projects and graduate committees while securing federal TBI grants. His clinical leadership extends through Aphasia Access podcast contributions and statewide intervention programs that transform rehabilitation paradigms. His laboratory initiatives—including the SoTL Lab and project-based brain injury groups—embody his commitment to experiential learning, where students engage in camp immersion, clinical apprenticeships, and community-driven research that reshapes neurorehabilitation practices.
Maria T. Schultheis is a Professor in Drexel University's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and holds a joint appointment in the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems. As Interim Director of Clinical Training, she oversees clinical psychology education. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University in 1998. Her research focuses on neurorehabilitation, particularly applying virtual reality (VR) technology to assess and improve driving capacity and everyday functioning in individuals with neurological disorders like traumatic brain injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. She has pioneered VR-based driving simulators for clinical evaluation and rehabilitation. Her work integrates clinical psychology, engineering, and transportation science, addressing cognitive, physical, and behavioral demands of driving post-neurological injury. Key projects include developing driving assessment protocols for disabled populations and investigating fatigue management in MS patients. Her interdisciplinary approach has been funded by NIH, NIDRR, and the NMSS. Notable awards include the 2007 APA Early Career Award (Division 40) and recognition from the National Academy of Neuropsychology. Schultheis leads the Applied Neuro-Technologies Lab, emphasizing ecologically valid methodologies. Over 35 peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international forums highlight her contributions. She serves on the National Research Council’s Transportation Research Board, influencing policy on neurological disorders and mobility. Grants have supported projects like VR-based financial competency assessments and understanding dual-task demands in post-concussion driving. Her research also explores decision-making competency in young adults and the neurocognitive correlates of risky driving behaviors. Collaborations with biomedical engineers and transportation specialists reflect her commitment to bridging clinical practice and technological innovation for functional recovery.
Bradford S. Bell is the William J. Conaty Professor in Strategic Human Resources and Director of the Center for Advanced Human Resource Studies at Cornell University's ILR School. His academic career spans roles as editor of Personnel Psychology and fellowships with the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology and American Psychological Association. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Michigan State University. Education: B.A. Psychology, University of Maryland (College Park) M.A. and Ph.D. Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Michigan State University Research Focus: Dr. Bell's work centers on training/development, team dynamics, virtual work, and technology's impact on organizations. He has published widely in journals like Journal of Applied Psychology and Academy of Management Learning & Education , with over 150+ publications. His research emphasizes practical applications in workplace learning systems and team effectiveness. Awards: Early Career Achievement Award (Academy of Management HR Division, 2008) Professional Contributions: Advises organizations globally on HR strategy through the Center for Advanced Human Resource Studies. His consulting spans banking, manufacturing, and public sectors. Active in professional development, he teaches courses on HR management, training, and work teams.
