Ayodele Sasegbon is an NIHR Clinical Lecturer at the University of Manchester's Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Gastroenterology. He holds roles in academic governance as a Senate Member and chairs the GasTRIN NoW research network. His expertise spans neurogastroenterology, swallowing disorders, and neuromodulation therapies. Education: MBChB (2012) and BSc (2010) from University of Leicester PhD (2021) on non-invasive brain stimulation effects from University of Manchester MRCP (2016) and European Gastroenterology Specialty Exam (2019) Research focuses on neurostimulation therapies for dysphagia, particularly in Parkinson's and stroke patients. Recent work includes meta-analyses of sensory modulation treatments and cerebellar stimulation feasibility studies. He leads clinical trials and contributes to telemedicine solutions for intestinal failure management. Key Awards: Powell-Tuck Prize (2023) Turner Warwick National Prize (2019) Active in peer review for journals like Frontiers in Neurology and Scientific Reports . Supervises clinical and research trainees through his roles in NHS North West Deanery and BSG committees.
Katrien Foubert serves as Assistant Professor at the Department of Development and Regeneration within KU Leuven's Faculty of Medicine. She coordinates the Music Therapy unit at Leuven Woman and Child while maintaining dual affiliations with the School of Arts (Associated Faculty) and research centers including the Leuven Centre for Health Humanities (LCH²) and KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI). Her institutional roles extend to membership in the Departmental Council of Development and Regeneration as senior academic staff. Dr. Foubert's research centers on music therapy applications for mental health across developmental stages, with specialization in improvisational techniques for autistic populations, child/adolescent resilience, and interpersonal trust frameworks. Her work bridges clinical practice with health humanities, examining social-emotional development through musical interventions while integrating neuroscience perspectives from her LBI affiliation. Key methodological innovations include photovoice documentation and cross-border knowledge exchange initiatives. Analysis of her 2024 publications reveals three dominant trajectories: 1) Clinical frameworks for trust and aggression management in therapeutic relationships, 2) Technology-health-music convergence through projects like "Sonic Frontiers", and 3) Family-system interventions focusing on sibling dynamics in developmental disorders. These outputs demonstrate consistent emphasis on evidence-based practice development within European mental healthcare contexts. Dr. Foubert currently leads five major research projects including "The Art of Resilience" (2024-2028) exploring musical approaches to adolescent resilience, "Inhibition/Interval" (2023-2027) developing autotheoretical performance methodologies, and longitudinal studies on ASD interventions. Her grant portfolio reflects sustained funding for music therapy applications in intellectual disabilities, autism, and mental healthcare systems across Flanders and the Netherlands. As coordinator of Leuven's Music Therapy unit within the Woman and Child division, she directs clinical operations while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration through the Leuven Centre for Health Humanities. Her leadership in the International Conference on Improvisation in Music Therapy demonstrates active engagement in shaping global research standards for the field.
Carolyn Horne is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), part of the College of Health and Human Services (CHESS). Her expertise focuses on cardiovascular disease management, symptom management strategies, and biofeedback interventions. She is recognized for developing a tactile desensitization protocol to address neuropathic pain in amputees and contributed to a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) on chronic wound care. Education: Post-Doctoral Training: Biofeedback, East Carolina University (2018) PhD in Nursing, East Carolina University (2014) MSN in Nursing, East Carolina University (1998) BA in Nursing, East Carolina University (2008) Her research emphasizes empowering patients through self-regulation techniques and improving outcomes for those with dysvascular disease and neuropathic pain. She actively participates in professional organizations including the American Heart Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. Awards: Honors Faculty designation at UNC Charlotte (Term until June 30, 2028) While no specific grants or labs are listed, her clinical work as a former Clinical Nurse Specialist and collaborative research in chronic wound management highlight her commitment to evidence-based care.
Pedro José Montoya Jiménez is a Full Professor of Biological Psychology at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) since 2009, with visiting professorships at institutions including Northwestern University , University of Tübingen , and Federal University of ABC . Holding a Psychology degree from Complutense University (1986) and a PhD in Psychology from Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (1993), he combines experimental psychology and neuroimaging (fMRI/EEG) to study chronic pain's neural mechanisms. His research focuses on brain plasticity in chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome , examining cognitive-affective influences on neural networks and developing neuromodulatory interventions (neurofeedback, brain stimulation). Collaborations with Dante Chialvo (Argentina) and Abrahão Baptista (Brazil) highlight his international impact. Recent publications analyze age-related pain processing , autonomic regulation , and AI-based pain assessment tools . Funded by Spanish Ministry of Science , Balearic Government , and La Marato TV3 , he has co-founded the biotech company BIPSIN SL (2011) and supervised over 40 theses in neuroscience and psychology. Scientific Awards : National XVII Young Entrepreneurs Bancaja Prize (2011) Key Research Areas : Chronic Pain Neurophysiology Brain Network Dynamics Neuromodulation Techniques Cognitive-Affective Pain Modulation Autonomic Nervous System Regulation Developmental Neuroscience Neurorehabilitation Machine Learning in Pain Diagnosis
Kevin Keenan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, directing the Neuromechanics Labs . His research explores the intersection of motor control, neurophysiology, and biomechanics in aging populations. Ph.D. in Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado (2005) Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University (2008) MS in Kinesiology, University of Michigan (1998) BS in Kinesiology, University of Michigan (1992) His laboratory employs advanced methodologies including high-density surface EMG arrays, long-term EMG recordings, indwelling EMG, motion capture, and computational modeling to investigate neuromuscular control in aging, stroke recovery, and physical activity impacts. Current projects examine muscle coordination during fine motor tasks, biofeedback interventions for chronic pain, and noninvasive neuromuscular assessment techniques. Key article trends include aging-related motor decline (12/15), EMG/force analysis (10/15), biomechanical modeling (8/15), and cross-disciplinary collaborations with engineers and clinicians. Awards include the UWM Libraries Research Fellows Program (2010) and VISTA Travel Award (2010). Research Fellows Program (2010) - UWM Libraries VISTA Travel Award (2010) - UWM His work bridges kinesiology with mechanical engineering through collaborations and lab infrastructure. The Neuromechanics Labs serve as a hub for interdisciplinary studies involving computational modeling of motor units, stroke rehabilitation, and geriatric mobility research.
Dr. Brecca Gaffney is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado Denver , with an additional affiliation at the Center for Bioengineering on the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus. Her research focuses on musculoskeletal biomechanics and the mechanical factors underlying overuse injuries in populations with movement pathologies. PhD, 2017 (Mechanical Engineering, University of Denver) MS, 2013 (Mechanical Engineering, University of Denver) BS, 2011 (Mechanical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines) Her research spans: Mechanisms of overuse injuries (e.g., osteoarthritis) Muscle and joint mechanics in lower extremity movement disorders Postural correction via biofeedback systems Biomechanical compensations in amputees Joint mechanics following surgical interventions Non-surgical treatment strategies for hip dysplasia Scientific Awards Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F32) from NIH/NIAMS 2018 L'Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellow Prior to her current role, she completed postdoctoral research at Washington University in St. Louis, examining interventions for hip dysplasia.
Kevin T. Larkin serves as Professor in the Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry at West Virginia University School of Medicine, where he has held faculty positions since 1986. After joining as Assistant Professor, he achieved tenure as Associate Professor in 1992 and was promoted to Professor in 2002. He served as Department Chair from 2013 to 2023 following 13 years as Director of Clinical Training. His educational background includes: PhD from University of Pittsburgh MA from University of Richmond (1981) Dr. Larkin's research focuses on applied psychophysiology and clinical health psychology, investigating how behavioral and emotional factors influence cardiovascular health. His work centers on stress responses in patients with cardiovascular disease, essential hypertension, and hematologic malignancies, with recent expansion into health disparities among Muslim communities. He directs the Behavioral Physiology Laboratory where biofeedback interventions and cardiovascular reactivity are primary research areas. Analysis of his recent publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) cardiovascular reactivity to interpersonal stress with emphasis on gender differences and task relevance, (2) health behavior maintenance including exercise adherence and cancer screening practices, and (3) cultural factors affecting health outcomes in religious minority populations. His methodological approach consistently integrates psychophysiological measurement with behavioral observation. Scientific Awards: No specific awards were identified in available sources. Dr. Larkin has significantly shaped psychology training through leadership roles including 13 years as Director of Clinical Training. His publications on competency development for integrated behavioral health care demonstrate his commitment to advancing training standards. While specific grant details are unreported, his sustained research output indicates consistent funding support for laboratory-based psychophysiological studies and community health initiatives. He directs the Behavioral Physiology Laboratory within WVU's Department of Psychology, which specializes in cardiovascular reactivity assessment, biofeedback intervention development, and stress response modulation using both laboratory and ecological momentary assessment approaches.
Suzanne Hagen is a researcher at Glasgow Caledonian University , specializing in women's health, pelvic floor dysfunction, and clinical trials. Her work focuses on pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and cost-effectiveness of interventions. Key grants: NIHR160810 (CAUTI prevention), NIHR131172 (novel catheter design), NIHR128470 (childhood constipation strategies) Research themes: Clinical trials, self-management interventions, health economics, and international collaborations (e.g., Samoan translations) Her recent articles address pessary self-management, biofeedback therapy for urinary incontinence, and cross-cultural health education tools. Funding sources include NIHR, Chief Scientist Office, and Parkinson's UK. Scientific contributions span clinical trials (TOPSY, OPAL, VUE), systematic reviews (Cochrane), and methodological innovations in process evaluation. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across the UK, Australia, Canada, and Samoa.
Doreen McClurg is a Researcher at Glasgow Caledonian University (NMAHP RU) since 2007, focusing on Physiotherapy and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction . Her career spans clinical and research roles, including prior positions at Belfast City Hospital (1998-2007). Education : PhD in Life and Health Sciences (University of Ulster, 2003-2006), Diploma in Physiotherapy (University of Ulster, 1965-1968). Her research interests center on neurological rehabilitation , particularly bowel and urinary dysfunction in conditions like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease . She investigates adherence strategies for home-based physiotherapy, designing clinical trials to evaluate interventions such as abdominal massage and biofeedback . McClurg has secured significant grants from organizations including the National Institute for Health Research and Multiple Sclerosis Society , managing projects like the AMBER and AnTIC trials. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., Dr. Sue Hagen, Dr. Karen Goodman) and contributes to clinical guidelines via international societies. She is affiliated with the Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit (NMAHP RU) , advancing evidence-based practices in continence care and neurological conditions . Her work emphasizes patient-centered outcomes , cost-effectiveness , and education reform for healthcare professionals.
Dr. Yoko Nagai is an Associate Professor in Translational Neuroscience (Clinical Neuroscience) at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, where she conducts pioneering research on mind-body interactions, human consciousness, and non-drug therapies for neurological conditions such as drug-resistant epilepsy. Her work integrates neuroscience, psychology, and clinical innovation. Her educational background spans multiple disciplines: BSc in Science, Tokyo University of Science, Japan (1994) PhD, King's College London, UK (2001) MBA, University of Brighton, UK (2016) PG Dip Law, University of Brighton, UK (2019) LLM, BPP University, London, UK (2024) PGCert HE, University of Sussex, UK (2022) Barrister (Non-registered), Lincoln's Inn, London (2023) Her research interests focus on translational neuroscience, interoception, autonomic regulation, epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, and the role of breathwork in altering consciousness and emotional processing. She has extended her work into social wellbeing, integrating insights from science, business, and law. Her recent publications highlight investigations into high-ventilation breathwork, autonomic biofeedback, racial bias modulation via physiological signals, and cultural differences in embodied emotions. The trend in her publications shows a strong emphasis on the intersection of autonomic physiology and cognition, with applications in clinical neuropsychiatry. She frequently studies how bodily signals influence brain function, emotional regulation, and social behavior, using neuroimaging, psychophysiology, and behavioral methods. Dr. Nagai has secured competitive research grants from organizations including the Wellcome Trust, Bial Foundation, Tourette Syndrome Association, and MQ Transforming Mental Health. These grants support her work on autonomic modulation in epilepsy, anxiety in hypermobility, interoception in autism, and 'brain fog' in dysautonomia. She is actively involved in teaching and supervision at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, teaching Year 1 Academic Skills (Module 102) and Year 2 Student Selective Component (Module 202), and supervising Year 4 Individual Research Projects (Module 404). She is a member of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), the American Epilepsy Society, and the Inns of Court, reflecting her dual engagement with neuroscience and legal scholarship. Her research is supported by a collaborative network including Hugo Critchley, Laura Crucianelli, and other leading neuroscientists. She leads the development of Autonomic Cognitive Rehabilitation Training (ACRT) as a non-pharmacological intervention for epilepsy and related conditions.
John Mallett is a Senior Lecturer at Ulster University’s School of Psychology and a chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society. He has over 20 years of experience teaching statistics and research methods and has published extensively in psychology, health, and social policy domains. PhD in Psychology (Poverty and health: a psychological analysis) Master’s in Psychology (Queens University Belfast) Bachelor’s in Psychology His research spans psychology, health, and social policy, focusing on the impact of pandemics (notably COVID-19), burnout, coping behaviors, and workforce dynamics in social work. Recent work analyzes safe staffing in UK social work, pandemic-driven mental health trends, and rural health disparities. Key trends in his publications include pandemic response, burnout mitigation, and safe staffing in social work. These studies employ mixed methods, cross-sectional surveys, and case studies, often integrating statistical analysis and policy evaluation. 1st Place Certificate of Achievement (Poster) Health and Social Care Board 8th Annual Social Work Conference 2021 ESWRA Award for Outstanding Publication in European Social Work Research 2021 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Research Prize 2022 John actively supervises PhD researchers like John McQuaide and has secured funding from diverse organizations. His collaborations extend to government departments and healthcare institutions, emphasizing practical policy translation.
Associate Professor Bernadette Fitzgibbon is Deputy Director of Research at Monarch Mental Health Group and holds academic appointments as Associate Professor at the Australian National University (ANU) and Monash University. Her work bridges clinical neuroscience, mental health, and chronic pain management, with a focus on innovative treatments such as brain stimulation and psychedelic therapies. Associate Professor, ANU – College of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Psychology Associate Professor, Monash University – Central Clinical School, Department of Psychiatry Deputy Director of Research, Monarch Mental Health Group Her research centers on understanding and treating chronic pain and mental illness through neurostimulation techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and theta burst stimulation (TBS), as well as exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds. She integrates neuroimaging, neurophysiology, and clinical trials to develop next-step treatment services. Bernadette’s recent publications highlight her leadership in clinical brain stimulation research, with studies on depression, fibromyalgia, PTSD, autism, and meditation. Her work demonstrates strong translational impact, with several trials already influencing clinical practice. Key themes include neuromodulation efficacy, biomarker discovery, and biopsychosocial mechanisms of pain and mental health. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through multiple awards: Vice-Chancellor's Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence (2013) Young Researcher of the Year (2014) Young Tall Poppy Science Award (2014) Australasian Brain Stimulation Society Early Career Award (2018) Invited Tess Cramond Lecturer (2021) Plenary speaker at the Neuromodulation Society of Australia & New Zealand (2022, 2024) Bernadette has secured over $2.5 million in research funding and led multiple clinical trials as Primary Chief Investigator. She has served on national advisory boards, including as Chair of the Australian Brain Alliance EMCR Network (2017–2021) and Executive Member of the Australian Brain Alliance. She is also an editorial board member of the Journal of Clinical and Translational Neuroscience and has organized STEM leadership programs for mid-career women. Her external affiliations include: Research Affiliate, Epworth Foundation (2019–present) Honorary Senior Fellow, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne (2019–present) Honorary Researcher, Alfred Hospital (2016–present)
Aleksander Väljamäe is an Associate Professor in Physiological Computing at Tallinn University's School of Digital Technologies (HCI group) and a Grant Consultant at Tartu University. His research focuses on multisensory perception, physiological computing, and neurofeedback applications in brain disorders, BCI, and neurocinema. He has held postdoctoral roles at institutions like Pompeu Fabra University and Graz University, and was a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow (2013–2015). He actively participates in EU projects (e.g., Future BNCI) and art-science collaborations, such as the Multimodal Brain Orchestra. His administrative roles include chairing Tallinn University’s internal research committee and advising for the European Commission and Italian Ministry of Health. Education: PhD in Applied Acoustics (Chalmers University, 2007) M.Sc. in Digital Communication (Chalmers, 2003) BSc in Radio Engineering (Tallinn University of Technology, 2000) Research Interests: Developing novel methods for diagnosing brain disorders (e.g., depression, migraine) using audiovisual media and BCI. Explores wearable technologies, affective computing, and the psychophysiology of emotion. Recent projects include SoniWeight Shoes (2024) and Magic Lining (2019), which investigate body-perception modulation via wearable devices. Grants & Awards: Marie Skłodowska-Curie International Outgoing Fellowship (2013–2015). Active in EU-funded initiatives like POEMS and BrainAble. Labs/Teams: Leads the HCI group at Tallinn University, collaborating with institutions globally. Co-developed the eXperience Induction Machine for mixed-reality interaction studies.
Mark-David Hosale is an Associate Professor and Chair of Computational Arts at York University's School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD). He holds a BA in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara. His work bridges computational art, performance, and architecture, focusing on worldmaking through interdisciplinary collaborations. Education: BA - Music Composition (UC Santa Barbara) Key Roles: Chair of Computational Arts, nD::StudioLab Director Research Labs: nD::StudioLab Research interests include the intersection of virtual and physical worlds, using digital fabrication and hardware/software integration to create immersive art. His theoretical practice centers on worldmaking —artworks that propose ontological alternatives through sensory experiences. Notable collaborations include the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the PACIS project. His exhibitions span venues like SIGGRAPH, Dutch Electronic Art Festival, and Venice Biennale. Labs/Teams: nD::StudioLab, PACIS collaboration Grants: Multiple undisclosed research grants Labs include the nD::StudioLab, an experimental space for ArtScience research-creation.
Jeremiah Tate, P.T., Ph.D. is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at the Tufts University School of Medicine . He specializes in biomechanics with a focus on musculoskeletal injury prevention and rehabilitation. His work integrates clinical practice and research in areas such as ACL injury mechanics, pitching biomechanics, and footwear interventions. Affiliations: Tufts University School of Medicine (2024–present) Previous Roles: Visiting Clinical Associate Professor (2024) Education: Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville (2010) M.S. in Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2005) B.S. in Exercise Science, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (1999) Research Interests: ACL injury mechanisms and rehabilitation strategies Biomechanical analysis of pitching mechanics in baseball Running injury prevention through gait retraining Footwear design and orthotic efficacy Pedagogical approaches to biomechanics education Teaching Activities: Human Anatomy (2024–present) Therapeutic Interventions (2025) Evidence-Based Practice I (2024)
