Dr. Michael Tangermann is an Associate Professor at Radboud University and Principal Investigator at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour. He leads the Data-Driven NeuroTechnology Lab, focusing on developing machine learning algorithms for neural and behavioral data analysis. His work integrates brain-computer interfaces (BCI), closed-loop neurotechnologies, and deep brain stimulation (DBS) to address clinical and non-clinical challenges. Education: PhD in Computer Science (2007, University of Tübingen) and Diplom in Computer Science (2000, University of Tübingen). Former positions include Head of the Brain State Decoding Lab (University of Freiburg, 2013–2020) and Substitute Professor for Autonomous Intelligent Systems (2019–2020). Research interests span machine learning for time-series analysis, neurotechnological applications (e.g., BCI for communication/rehabilitation, adaptive DBS), and translational neuroscience. His lab collaborates with institutions like the University Medical Center Freiburg and MindAffect. Publications (H-index: 40) emphasize decoding brain states, optimizing BCI paradigms, and developing open-source tools like the Dareplane platform. Teaching includes advanced BCI courses and digital signal processing at the graduate level.
Prof. Dr. Johanna Kißler is a full Professor of General Psychology and Affective Neuroscience at Bielefeld University, affiliated with the Faculty of Psychology and Sport Science and the Department of Psychology. She leads the Affective Neuropsychology research unit (Unit 02) and is a key member of the Center for Cognitive Interaction Technology (CITEC), where she serves on the Board of Directors and leads a participating research group. She is also involved in the Center for Interdisciplinary Research (ZiF) as a board member and co-leads a subproject in the Collaborative Research Center SFB 1646 on linguistic creativity. Her research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying emotion and language processing, particularly in clinical populations such as patients with epilepsy and disorders of consciousness. Using EEG, fMRI, and behavioral methods, she investigates emotional face and word perception, memory, emotion regulation, and verbal fluency. Her work often examines the impact of brain lesions, especially in the temporal and frontal lobes, on cognitive and affective functions. She has led numerous third-party funded projects from the German Research Foundation (DFG), federal agencies, and foundations, including the NeuroCommTrainer project aimed at developing brain-computer interfaces for severely brain-damaged patients. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in affective neuroscience, clinical neuroimaging, and neurolinguistics, with a focus on EEG/ERP markers, gamma-band activity, hemispheric specialization, and multimodal assessment of emotional and cognitive processing. Themes include emotion regulation in epilepsy, social feedback processing, and the neural basis of linguistic creativity. German Research Foundation (DFG) Federal Government (Bund) Foundations (Stiftungen) She has received research funding for projects on memory in epilepsy, emotion processing, and brain-computer interfaces. She has supervised students and contributed to academic governance, having served as Dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science (2016–2019) and Dean of Graduate Studies (2013–2016). She teaches courses in psychology and medicine, including clinical neuropsychology and communication in medical contexts. Prof. Kißler is actively involved in interdisciplinary research teams, including CITEC, SFB 1646, and ZiF, where she collaborates on advanced topics in cognitive interaction, linguistic creativity, and consciousness research. Her lab focuses on affective neuropsychology, utilizing electrophysiological and neuroimaging methods to explore emotion-language interactions and clinical applications in neurorehabilitation.
Prof. Hugo Fastl is a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), holding a position in the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology, and leading the Chair of Human-Machine Communication. His research integrates engineering and acoustics, focusing on psychoacoustics, audio-visual interactions, and applications in noise assessment, sound quality design, and hearing disorder diagnosis. A pioneer in interdisciplinary acoustics, he has contributed to audio technology and musical acoustics. Prof. Fastl earned his Dipl.-Ing. in Electrical Engineering (1970) and studied Music at the Munich University of Music (1969), majoring in double bass. He completed his doctorate (1974) and habilitation (1981) at TUM, later serving as a visiting professor at Osaka University (1987) and as an associate professor of technical acoustics at TUM (1991). His career has spanned academia and industry, blending theoretical and applied research. His scientific contributions include seminal work on psychoacoustic parameters in automotive noise assessment and foundational textbooks like Psychoacoustics: Facts and Models (2007). Key awards include the EAA Lifetime Achievement Award (2017) and the Rayleigh Medal (2003). His research bridges engineering principles with human perception, addressing both technical and auditory challenges in communication systems. Prof. Fastl’s work extends to video quality assessment and signal processing innovations, as seen in his development of a hybrid metric for digital video quality (2011) and blind estimation of blocking artifacts (2010). His interdisciplinary approach underscores the intersection of technology and human experience.
Associate Professor Anthony Angwin is an academic at the University of Queensland's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, specializing in speech pathology and neurogenic communication disorders. He holds the role of Head of Speech Pathology and leads research on word learning mechanisms and neuroimaging applications in conditions like Parkinson's disease, stroke, and dementia. His work bridges psycholinguistic methodologies with clinical neuroscience to understand language processing in both healthy and neurologically impaired populations. Education: PhD in Biomedical Sciences (University of Queensland), Bachelor of Speech Pathology. Research Themes: New word learning modulation (e.g., via sleep/white noise), communication technology in dementia care, and neural mechanisms in Parkinson's disease and aphasia. His research interests emphasize translational science, aiming to improve clinical outcomes through evidence-based interventions. He has secured major grants including NHMRC MRFF funding for projects like “Unspoken, Unheard, Unmet” and “Save Our Speech (SoS)” study. Supervision focuses on interdisciplinary topics such as neural dynamics of learning and aphasia treatment adherence. Collaborations include Queensland Aphasia Research Centre (QARC) and the University of Queensland Centre for Hearing Research (CHEAR). Recent publications explore bilingualism’s impact on vocabulary, dementia communication strategies, and EEG markers of word learning. His work underscores the intersection of technology, aging, and cognitive rehabilitation.
Barbara Dodd is an Honorary Professor at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland. Her work focuses on phonological disorders, speech-language pathology, and bilingual language acquisition. She has contributed extensively to clinical assessment tools such as the Diagnostic Evaluation of Articulation and Phonology (DEAP) and the Bilingual Maltese-English Speech Assessment (MESA). Her research addresses differential diagnosis of speech disorders in monolingual and bilingual children, phonological intervention strategies, and the impact of socioeconomic factors on language development. Key areas of research include phonological disorders in children, intervention efficacy, and the interplay between phonological awareness and literacy. She has published widely on topics such as core vocabulary intervention, early language development, and the effects of bilingualism on speech and language skills. Her work bridges clinical practice and theory, emphasizing evidence-based approaches. Notable contributions include studies on the McGurk effect in speech perception, phonological consistency in children, and the long-term outcomes of phonological awareness interventions. Her research also explores auditory-visual speech processing and its implications for speech therapy.
Dr. Konstantin Weise is a Scientific Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences , leading the Methods and Development Group Brain Networks . His work focuses on uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of computational models , developing the pygpc Python package , and advancing numerical models for non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) . He specializes in improving localization precision, optimizing stimulation parameters, and addressing microscopic tissue effects in brain stimulation simulations. Research interests include: Modeling TMS-induced electric fields and their cortical effects High-resolution EEG/MEG forward modeling Uncertainty quantification in biomedical simulations Neurostimulation applications for neuropsychological disorders His contributions bridge computational methods with clinical neurotechnology, emphasizing electrical field-based dosing and adaptive stimulation optimization . Recent work addresses microscopic field distortions' impact on neuronal activation thresholds and develops novel protocols for precise motor cortex mapping. Labs/Teams: Core member of the Brain Networks Group , collaborating on interdisciplinary projects integrating engineering, neuroscience, and clinical applications.
Alexander Galazyuk is a Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), part of the College of Graduate Studies. He holds a Ph.D. from the Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology in Ukraine and has over 30 years of academic experience, including postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois. His primary research focuses on auditory neuroscience, particularly the neural mechanisms underlying sound processing, tinnitus, and hearing loss. His lab pioneered a mouse model for tinnitus research and employs electrophysiological and behavioral methods to study auditory system dynamics. Key research areas include residual inhibition mechanisms for tinnitus treatment, glutamate receptor modulation in auditory neurons, and the role of DNA methylation in bat longevity. Galazyuk teaches Neurobiology to medical students and graduate students, emphasizing cellular and molecular neuroscience. His work bridges basic science and translational research, contributing to understanding hearing disorders and aging processes. Publications highlight collaborations on auditory neuroscience, epigenetic aging studies in bats, and neurophysiological techniques. His research has advanced methodologies for assessing hearing deficits and tinnitus, with implications for clinical applications. Galazyuk’s interdisciplinary approach integrates neurobiology, genetics, and behavioral science to address critical questions in sensory neuroscience.
Merri Rosen, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Neurobiology and Director of the Hearing Research Group at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). Her work explores how early life experiences—particularly hearing loss and stress—impact neural circuits critical for auditory perception. She uses Mongolian gerbils as an animal model to study developmental effects on sound processing. Education : Ph.D. in Neurobiology from Duke University (2002), M.S. in Neuroscience from Brandeis University (1995), B.A. in Psychology/Music from Wesleyan University (1990). Her research integrates neurophysiological, behavioral, and computational methods to understand perceptual deficits arising from early auditory deprivation. Current NIH-funded projects investigate how developmental conductive hearing loss and stress alter auditory neural pathways. Rosen also leads interventional studies to remediate perceptual deficits through targeted stimulus exposure. Key awards include NIH R01 grants for auditory processing research and a multi-institutional grant on childhood hearing outcomes. She teaches graduate courses in Medical Neuroscience and Statistical Data Analysis. Labs/Teams : Director of NEOMED's Hearing Research Group, member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
Sharad Shanbhag, Ph.D., is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). His research focuses on understanding neural mechanisms underlying acoustic communication, particularly the role of the amygdala in processing social vocalizations and contextual information. He investigates how amygdalar neurons integrate auditory inputs to mediate emotional responses, with implications for disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and tinnitus. Education: Ph.D. in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota (1999) B.A. in Physics and Neuroscience, Hampshire College (1992) Research Interests: Neural circuits in the amygdala involved in acoustic communication Role of the amygdala in fear conditioning and emotional responses Disruptions in amygdala function linked to neurological and psychiatric disorders Key Article Trends: Recent work explores social vocalization coding in the basolateral amygdala (2016) and auditory spatial processing in midbrain-forebrain interfaces (2009). His studies use animal models (e.g., guinea pigs, owls) to dissect neural mechanisms of vocalization perception and spatial auditory processing. Awards/Grants: No specific awards or grants listed in the provided data. Labs/Teams: Works within NEOMED’s research programs focusing on neurobiology and auditory neuroscience, though specific lab affiliations are not detailed here.
Dr. Damien Litchfield is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Lancaster University, affiliated with the Psychology Health Research Institute. His expertise spans eye-tracking methodology, visual search, and medical image perception, particularly focusing on how expertise influences visual and cognitive processing. He leads an active project investigating medical image perception and decision-making since 2006. Educated at the University of Sunderland (BSc Psychology, 2004), Lancaster University (PhD Psychology, 2010), and Edge Hill University (PGCert in Learning & Teaching, 2014), he contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to education through his research. His work explores the interplay between eye movements and social cognition, including studies on perspective taking and attentional biases. Recent research includes advancements in understanding false memory effects on eye movements and the application of eye-tracking in medical education. Litchfield has delivered presentations on cognitive biases in climate change communication and continues to supervise PhD students.
Victor Bray, MSC, PhD, FNAP is a Professor at the Osborne College of Audiology within Salus University's Elkins Park Campus. He holds academic appointments in audiology with Drexel University integration. His professional roles include serving as Immediate Past-president of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), President of the Audiology Academy of the National Academies of Practice (NAP), and leadership in organizations like ASHA and AAA. Education: PhD in Speech & Hearing Science from University of Texas at Austin MSC in Audiology from Auburn University BS in Biochemistry from University of Georgia Research Focus: Dr. Bray investigates hearing assistance technologies, comorbidities of hearing and balance disorders, and audiology's evolving role in healthcare systems. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary care, audiology workforce dynamics, and evidence-based practices in hearing aid technology. Professional Recognition: Salus University Presidential Medal of Honor (2020) ADA David Goldstein Outstanding Audiologist Award (2016) NAP Distinguished Public Policy Fellow (2014) UT Austin Outstanding Alumnus (2011) Advocacy & Grants: His advocacy efforts focus on audiology's professional standing and educational standards. He co-authored policy-relevant publications on workforce benchmarks and Au.D. program outcomes. No specific grant details were explicitly listed in provided texts. Labs & Teams: Collaborates with institutions like Hamilton CapTel on patient engagement strategies and cochlear implant research. Active in interprofessional initiatives linking audiology to diabetes care and chronic disease management.
Justin R. Burwinkel, AuD, serves as an Adjunct Professor at Salus University's Osborne College of Audiology, specializing in Hearing Aid Research & Development. He holds a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) and Bachelor of Science from the University of Cincinnati. His academic role focuses on advancing assistive listening technologies and audiological innovations. Dr. Burwinkel's research interests span hearing aid technology optimization, telecoil efficacy, assistive listening systems, and the integration of wearable devices to address fall risk assessment in hearing-impaired populations. His work bridges clinical practice and engineering, with notable contributions to AI-driven hearing solutions and sensor-based postural stability monitoring. His recent publications (2022-2023) highlight advancements in hearing loop implementation, AI-enhanced hearing aids, and fall detection systems embedded in ear-wearable devices. These studies emphasize real-world applications of audiological technology in improving accessibility and patient outcomes. Honors: Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, Director at Loop Minnesota, 60 U.S. Patents Filed Certifications: Animal Audiology Professional Activities: Consultant for University of Cincinnati's FETCHLAB (Facility for the Education and Teaching of Canine Hearing and Laboratory for Animal Bioacoustics) Dr. Burwinkel actively collaborates with industry partners like Starkey Hearing Technologies, advancing evidence-based practices in telecoil utilization and hearing aid design. His interdisciplinary approach integrates audiological research with biomedical engineering and telehealth solutions.
Martin Pienkowski, PhD is a Professor at Drexel University's Osborne College of Audiology, contributing to both basic science and clinical research in the field of auditory neuroscience. His roles include teaching in the PhD Program in Biomedicine (distance education) and residential education programs across multiple colleges, including the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Education: Postdoctoral Fellowships: University of Calgary (Auditory Neuroscience) and Karolinska Institute (Auditory Neuroscience) PhD: University of Toronto (Auditory Neuroscience) MSc: University of Toronto (Biomedical Acoustics) BSc: University of Toronto (Biophysics) Research Interests: His work focuses on understanding the normal and impaired auditory system, with emphasis on noise-induced hearing loss, central auditory plasticity, hyperacusis, tinnitus, and auditory processing disorders. He employs both animal models (mice, cats, rats) and human subjects in his studies. Key themes include the effects of prolonged moderate noise exposure, neural adaptation mechanisms, and translational research bridging basic science and clinical applications. Publications: His research spans over two decades, with contributions to understanding neural plasticity in auditory systems, noise-induced cochlear damage, and hyperacusis pathophysiology. Recent work explores electrophysiological and imaging techniques (e.g., electrocochleography, fMRI) to map auditory system responses under various conditions. Labs & Teams: Though not explicitly named, his affiliation with the Osborne College of Audiology suggests involvement in collaborative auditory research groups at Drexel, focusing on clinical translation and basic science investigations.
Dr. Lauren Harms is a Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy at the University of Newcastle. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Queensland (2012), focusing on environmental risk factors for neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. Her research investigates early-life exposures, particularly maternal immune activation, and their impacts on brain development and electrophysiological markers such as mismatch negativity (MMN) and high-frequency brain waves. She has held postdoctoral roles at the University of Newcastle's School of Psychology and currently leads studies on how developmental and adolescent factors influence cognitive behaviors like attention and memory. Education: PhD (Neuroscience), University of Queensland Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience, Honours), University of Queensland Research Interests: Dr. Harms' work centers on animal models of neurodevelopmental disorders, with a focus on schizophrenia. Her key areas include: Maternal immune activation as a risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders EEG and mismatch negativity as translational biomarkers Interactions between immune, neurochemical, and cognitive systems Neurodevelopmental impacts of early-life environmental exposures Grants & Funding: She has secured over $750,000 in grants, including NHMRC Project Grants and philanthropic funding, to study maternal immune activation, cannabis exposure, and schizophrenia-related pathologies in rodents. Notable grants include a 2016 NHMRC Project Grant examining combined developmental risk factors ( $654,403 ). Supervision: Dr. Harms has supervised five completed PhD students, focusing on topics like combined developmental risk factors, MMN in rodent models, and maternal immune activation effects on behavior and cognition. Labs/Teams: She collaborates extensively with researchers in behavioral neuroscience, including Professors Deborah Hodgson and Patricia Michie, and leads studies in electrophysiology and rodent behavioral modeling.
Christian Beste is a Professor of Cognitive Neurophysiology at TU Dresden, holding dual affiliations in the Faculty of Medicine (Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) and the Faculty of Psychology. His research focuses on cognitive control mechanisms, neurophysiological techniques (EEG), brain stimulation methods (TMS, tDCS), and hyperkinetic neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD and Tourette syndrome. Beste’s career includes postdoctoral research at institutions like the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (Cambridge, UK) and leadership roles, including heading the Emmy Noether Group (2012–2013). Education: He earned a Diploma in Psychology (2006) and PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience (2007) from Ruhr-Universität Bochum, followed by a Habilitation in Cognitive Neuroscience (2013). His editorial roles include positions at Neuropsychologia , Scientific Reports , and multiple Frontiers in journals. Research interests emphasize neurophysiological underpinnings of action control, with a focus on clinical populations. His articles span topics like neural noise modulation in ADHD treatment and structural-functional brain correlations in autism spectrum disorder. Key awards include the Emmy-Noether Award (2012) and the DGPA Young Investigator Prize (2010). He currently serves as a Guest Scientist at Shandong Normal University (China) and actively contributes to translational neuroscience initiatives linking basic research to clinical applications.
