Lyle Ungar is a Professor at the Department of Computer and Information Science at the University of Pennsylvania . He is affiliated with multiple graduate groups, including Genomics and Computational Biology in the School of Medicine , Operations, Information and Decisions in the Wharton School , and Psychology in the School of Arts and Sciences . His research focuses on explainable machine learning , deep learning , and natural language processing for psychology and medical research , analyzing social media and sensor data to understand well-being, empathy, and stress. His work spans bioinformatics , applied economics , and group decision-making . Recent publications examine LLM-based tutoring , cross-cultural translation , and AI in palliative care , showing trends in reinforcement learning , mobile health , and health data analytics . He has contributed to Google Scholar , PubMed , and DBLP with over 15 papers since 2023. Scientific Awards : 2019 Alan I. Leshner Leadership Institute Public Engagement Fellow His students include Vitoria Aquino Guardieiro , Yihao Li , and co-advised researchers like Shreya Havaldar with Eric Wong. He leads projects at interdisciplinary centers such as the Annenberg Public Policy Center , Center for Cognitive Neuroscience , and Institute for Translational Medicine .
Sabrina Furtado is a Lecturer in Sport Management and Dean’s Associate Fellow at Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. She holds a BSc, MSc, and PhD. Previously, she taught at the Federal University of Paraná and State University of Santa Catarina in Brazil, focusing on sport management, sports law, and entrepreneurship in the sports sector. Her research focuses on sports governance, strategic planning, and policy development in public and private sports entities. Key areas include Olympic and Paralympic federations, sports financing, and the impact of media representation on disability inclusion. She contributes to the Sport, Business and Society and Lifestyle for Health and Wellbeing research groups, as well as the Inteligência Esportiva Research Institute . Recent work analyzes governance structures in Santa Catarina municipalities, business intelligence applications in sports management, and modernization processes in Brazilian Olympic federations. Her publications span topics like Paralympic organizational roles, media stigma in disability sports reporting, and funding mechanisms for sports initiatives. No scientific awards are mentioned. Sabrina advises master’s students on sport management and policy but no grant details are provided. Her current projects aim to strengthen sports policies and enhance stakeholders’ engagement in the sport system.
Jae Eun Chung is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Howard University's School of Communications. Her research focuses on new media technologies, their psychosocial impacts, and health communication, with a particular emphasis on community engagement and digital discourse. Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Southern California M.A. in Telecommunications from Indiana University at Bloomington Dr. Chung's work explores the intersection of social media and health, analyzing how digital platforms influence public health perceptions, patient-doctor interactions, and health equity. She has published extensively in journals like Journal of Communication , Computers in Human Behavior , and Health Communication , often employing community-based participatory research (CBPR) to address disparities in asthma care, maternal health, and HPV-associated cancer awareness. Recent publications highlight trends in leveraging social media for health interventions, examining misinformation dynamics during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, and analyzing digital ecosystems. Her methodological approaches include network analysis, narrative studies, and assessments of digital engagement metrics. Howard University RCMI Grant: Enhancing recruitment of African-Americans and Hispanics in health research NSF HDR Grant: Collaborative research on data analytics for community enrichment PACRI Grant: Improving health outcomes for asthmatic children in public housing Bezos Earth Fund: Indoor environmental quality disparities in underserved communities Dr. Chung collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, including public health experts and data scientists, to advance health communication strategies. She has mentored students and researchers in projects analyzing social media's role in health promotion, digital privacy, and community-academic partnerships.
Kristin Bernard, Ph.D. (University of Delaware, 2013), is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at Stony Brook University’s Department of Psychology. Her research focuses on the neurobiological consequences of early adversity, parent-child relationships, and the efficacy of early parenting interventions such as Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC). She collaborates with Power of Two, a NYC-based nonprofit, and leads the Developmental Stress and Prevention Lab. Current grants include studies on epigenomics, maternal attachment representation, and community-based ABC interventions. Dr. Bernard’s work bridges clinical and developmental psychology, emphasizing prevention science and translational research. Education: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Delaware, 2013. Research Interests: Child maltreatment, neurobiological impacts of early adversity, parenting interventions, psychobiology of attachment, and intervention efficacy. Her lab investigates mechanisms linking caregiving quality to child outcomes, including cortisol regulation, brain development, and behavioral compliance. Lab & Partnerships: Directs the Developmental Stress and Prevention Lab, focusing on high-risk populations. Collaborations include Power of Two for ABC implementation and NYC agencies like the Administration for Children’s Services. Current projects explore neighborhood influences on parenting (Geography of Parenting Study) and neural correlates of parenting behavior (SNAP study). Grants & Funding: Principal Investigator on NIH-funded projects (R03 HD099372, R01 MH119310) and co-PI on Stony Brook’s seed grants. Projects examine accelerated aging biomarkers and intervention effectiveness in community settings. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles and a co-authored book on ABC interventions. High-impact journals include Psychoneuroendocrinology , Development and Psychopathology , and Child Development .
Jino Distasio is a Professor and Acting Dean of Science at The University of Winnipeg, Department of Geography. He teaches Urban Geography, Cultural Geography, and Social Geography, with courses like GEOG-3413 Urban Revitalization and GEOG-3430 Housing and Neighbourhood Planning . His research focuses on housing and neighborhood development, city planning, urban revitalization, homelessness, mental health, and urban transportation. Teaching Areas : Urban Geography, Cultural Geography, Social Geography Key Collaborations : Institute of Urban Studies (U. of Winnipeg), Housing First initiatives, interdisciplinary teams in public health and social policy His recent publications highlight Housing First interventions, urban policy impacts on homelessness, and social determinants of health. Scientific awards and honors were not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Professor Tamsin Bradley is a leading academic in International Development Studies at the University of Portsmouth, affiliated with the School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature. Her research focuses on ending violence against women and girls, social inclusion, and harmful cultural practices. She holds a PhD from SOAS, University of London, and has held roles at institutions like the University of East Anglia and London Metropolitan University before joining Portsmouth in 2011. She was promoted to Professor in 2017. Her work is supported by grants from the British Academy, ESRC, and AHRC. Bradley is also a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute. She currently supervises two PhD students on ESRC-funded projects and collaborates with organizations like Plan International and Stop Domestic Abuse. Her research integrates applied social anthropology with policy-relevant outcomes, addressing issues such as FGM, breast ironing, and gender-based violence in South Asia and Africa. Education: Bachelor's in Politics and Study of Religion (SOAS, 1996) MA in Social Anthropology of Development (SOAS, 1997) PGCE (University of Cambridge) PhD (SOAS, 2006) Research Focus: Ending violence against women and girls, harmful cultural practices, gender and social inclusion in South Asia/Africa, humanitarianism in conflict zones. Key Grants: £300k from British Academy (2018) for the 'Art Heritage, Resilience and Humanitarianism in South Sudan' project. External Roles: Council member of British Association of South Asian Studies (2014–2016), Editorial Board member of African Identities . Media Availability: Actively engages with media on gender-based violence and development topics. Bradley’s work bridges academic research and practical solutions, emphasizing community-led approaches. Her recent publications highlight intersections between culture, conflict, and gendered violence, with a focus on marginalized communities in South Sudan, Sudan, and South Asia.
Robert Newbery is a Professor and Head of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Northumbria University's Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Strategy Department. He holds a PhD from Newcastle University, specializing in rural business associations, alongside an MBA and MSc in Rural Social Science. His research focuses on entrepreneurship's role in development, particularly in poverty-stricken regions of the Global North and Global South. He leads the Entrepreneurship Educator Foundation for East Africa (EEFEA) and evaluates entrepreneurship programs' impacts, including serious games and research commercialization. Education: PhD in Business and Management Studies, Newcastle University (2011) MSc in Rural Social Science, Newcastle University (2007) MBA, Newcastle University (2003) Research Interests: Entrepreneurship for poverty alleviation Rural business models in Europe and Africa Innovative supply chains in East Africa Social entrepreneurship in South America Impact assessment of entrepreneurship education Geographic Foci: UK/Europe: Farming entrepreneurship and rural business models East Africa: Entrepreneurship and poverty reduction West Africa: Business models and development South America: Social entrepreneurship Collaborations: Visiting roles at Kenyatta University and University of Nairobi (2022). Active in the Institute of Small Business & Entrepreneurship as Deputy President. Advising & Grants: Accepting PhD students in development-linked entrepreneurship. Research commercialization and serious games impact studies are current priorities. Labs/Teams: Leads the EEFEA, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on rural development and global entrepreneurship challenges.
Charles D. Sprenger is a Professor of Economics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he has served since 2020 and held the position of Executive Officer from 2022 to 2025. He is affiliated with Caltech's Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) and holds key roles at the Ronald and Maxine Linde Institute of Economic and Management Sciences and the Center for Theoretical and Experimental Social Sciences (CTESS). His external appointments include Board of Editors for the American Economic Review and Associate Editor roles for the Journal of the European Economic Association and Quantitative Economics . His educational background includes a B.A. from Stanford University (2002), an M.Sc. from University College London (2005), and a Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego (2011). These credentials established his foundation in economic theory and experimental methodology. Sprenger is a leading behavioral and experimental economist specializing in intertemporal decision making and choices under uncertainty. His research designs innovative experiments across diverse contexts—from food deserts in the United States to polio vaccination drives in Pakistan—to test the validity of standard economic models. His work consistently reveals significant deviations from rational choice theory, particularly regarding time inconsistency, risk preferences, and reference-dependent behaviors. He has pioneered methods for measuring time preferences and testing cumulative prospect theory, with implications for public policy and behavioral interventions. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2015-2024) shows a cohesive research program centered on behavioral anomalies in decision making. His work bridges laboratory precision with real-world field applications, demonstrating how psychological factors like procrastination and loss aversion manifest in high-stakes environments. Key trends include the development of tailored incentive structures, validation of rank-dependent utility models, and exploration of dynamic inconsistency across domains including health, finance, and public policy. His notable recognition includes: Sloan Foundation Fellowship (2016-2018) Sprenger actively contributes to the academic community through editorial leadership and collaborative research. His work has been featured in Caltech news for projects like "Reducing Procrastination with Tailored Incentives" (2023) and the graduate summer program "Experimental Economics in Theory and Practice" (2023). Though specific advisees aren't listed, his teaching of advanced courses like Experimental Economics (SS 212 abc) indicates mentorship of graduate researchers. He secures significant research funding through fellowships and institutional support, enabling large-scale field experiments. As a core member of CTESS, Sprenger leads a multidisciplinary team conducting cutting-edge experimental economics research. His lab integrates theoretical modeling with empirical validation, focusing on how behavioral insights can improve policy design in areas like tax compliance, vaccination programs, and financial decision making. Current work emphasizes scalable interventions for procrastination and preference-based incentive customization.
Yonatan Bisk is an Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University within the Language Technologies Institute (with courtesy appointment in Robotics Institute). His research bridges Natural Language Processing , Robotics , and Embodied AI , focusing on language grounding, theory of mind, and multimodal interaction. Education : Ph.D. in Computer Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Postdoctoral Experience : USC ISI, University of Washington, Allen Institute for AI Industry Appointments : Microsoft Research, Meta AI His research emphasizes embodied language systems and social intelligence in AI . Recent projects include WebArena for autonomous agents, SOTOPIA for social reasoning, and HomeRobot for open-vocabulary manipulation. He leads the REAL Center (Robotics, Embodied AI, and Learning) to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Key scientific awards include selection for the DARPA ISAT Study Group (2024). He teaches courses like "Talking to Robots" and "Multimodal Machine Learning" while serving as area chair/editor across NLP, Robotics, and ML communities.
Dr. Wei Peng is a Professor in the Department of Media and Information at Michigan State University, specializing in health communication technology design and human-computer interaction. Her research explores behavior change mechanisms through interactive media. Ph.D. in Communication from University of Southern California (2006) Key research areas include: Psychological and social effects of interactive media AI-driven health promotion systems Conversational agents for wellness Digital games for physical activity Mobile health applications Combating health misinformation through technology Her 2024-2021 publications demonstrate expertise in AI ethics, health gamification, and technology-based behavior change. Grant collaborations include: National Science Foundation (NSF) - Sensor-enabled family routines for child obesity prevention Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) - Exergame development Scientific recognition includes multiple ICA Top Paper Awards and MSU Teacher-Scholar honors. She actively serves on editorial boards of: Journal of Communication Health Communication Games for Health Journal BMC Public Health Currently advising in AI applications for health misinformation and persuasive technology research.
Professor Jennifer Whitty is an applied health economist at the University of East Anglia , affiliated with the Norwich Medical School and the Centre of Research Excellence in Telehealth . Her research bridges health economics, patient preferences, and health policy, with a focus on quality of life valuation and economic evaluation. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Griffith University, 2008), Graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy (University of Queensland, 2002), Bachelor of Pharmacy (University of Wales, 1992) Her work emphasizes person-centered methodologies , particularly discrete choice experiments, to evaluate patient and public preferences for healthcare delivery and outcomes. Key research areas include: Treatment burden and quality of life in chronic diseases like cystic fibrosis Economic evaluation of pharmaceuticals and health technologies Asset-based approaches to community health Priority-setting frameworks in health policy Prof. Whitty has secured over AU$27 million in research funding from organizations including the NHMRC and National Institute for Health and Care Research , and serves on editorial boards for Medical Decision Making and Applied Health Economics and Health Policy .
Petter Stoor is an Assistant Professor at Umeå University's Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, specializing in Sámi health research. He holds a PhD from the Arctic University of Norway (UiT) and is Coordinator of Lávvuo, a research group focused on Sámi health education. His work emphasizes Indigenous health equity, suicide prevention, and addressing systemic discrimination. He teaches courses on Sámi and Indigenous health at Umeå University, including Sweden's first dedicated program in this field. PhD: “Suicide among Sámi – Cultural meanings of suicide and interventions for suicide prevention in Nordic parts of Sápmi” (2020, UiT) Current roles: Researcher, educator, and advisor to Sámi parliaments and NGOs Research interests include mental health disparities, cultural determinants of health, and ethical research practices with Indigenous communities. Awards include recognition for studies on sexual violence against Sámi women (2024) and broader Sámi health contributions (2024). He leads projects such as the SámiHET study on health inequities and collaborates internationally via the Lancet Commissions on Suicide and Arctic Health. Teaching focuses on integrating Indigenous perspectives into medical and public health curricula. He supervises master’s and doctoral students, emphasizing participatory methods and community-driven research.
Danielle T. Cooper is an Associate Professor at the University of New Haven , affiliated with the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences and the Criminal Justice Department . She also serves as the Director of Research for the Tow Youth Justice Institute and Chair of the Criminal Justice Undergraduate Committee . Education Ph.D. in Criminology, Law, & Society, University of Florida, 2015 M.A. in Criminology, Law, & Society, University of Florida, 2011 B.S. in Justice Systems, Truman State University, 2009 Dr. Cooper’s research focuses on youths and young adults , juvenile justice policy reform , sex offender registration policies , and police-community dynamics . Her work emphasizes restorative justice , systemic equity , and prevention strategies for marginalized communities. Recent publications explore diversion programs , economic impacts of sex offender registries , and media narratives in criminal justice . Her awards highlight contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion , as well as leadership development . Scientific Awards 2019 Faculty of the Year Award 2021 MO-KAN-NE TRIO Achiever Alumni Award 2021 Faculty Excellence in DEI 2022 Martin Luther King, Jr. Vision Faculty Award 2024 RAND Pardee Fellowship She has secured grants for diversionary services and youth-police relations , and her media commentary addresses youth violence , census participation , and social justice .
Christopher Emdin is a Professor of Science Education and Maxine Greene Chair for Distinguished Contributions to Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He directs the STEAM, DREAM & IdeaLab initiatives. Emdin holds a B.S. in Physical Anthropology/Biology/Chemistry from Lehman College (2000), an M.S. in Natural Sciences from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2003), and a Ph.D. in Urban Education from the CUNY Graduate Center (2007). His research focuses on urban STEM education , culturally responsive pedagogy , and Hip-Hop Education (HipHopEd) . Emdin has received prestigious awards including the Strage Prize (2011) and PDK International Outstanding Dissertation Award (2008) . He pioneered projects like the Science Genius B.A.T.T.L.E.S. , using rap battles to engage urban students in science. His work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing reality pedagogy and cosmopolitan ethics . Key contributions include over 50 publications on urban science education, equity, and hip-hop pedagogy. He is a leader in professional organizations such as NARST and AERA. Emdin’s grants include collaborations with NSF and Fund for Teachers, focusing on science agency and leadership in urban schools. His lab, IdeaLab , advances innovative teaching strategies rooted in youth culture.
Holly J. Benjamin, MD is a distinguished sports medicine specialist at the University of Chicago, serving as the inaugural Director of the Primary Care Sports Medicine Program at UChicago Medicine Student Wellness Center. She holds leadership positions including Chair of the Committee on Sports Medicine & Fitness for the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and serves as Head Medical Team Physician for the WNBA Chicago Sky and medical officer for major events including the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, US Soccer, and USA Triathlon. Her educational background includes: B.S. in Integrated Life Sciences, Kent State University (1994) Combined BS/MD, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (1994) MD, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (1994) Residency in Pediatrics, The University of Chicago Children's Hospital (1997) Fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine, Lutheran General Hospital (1998) Dr. Benjamin specializes in sports medicine with particular expertise in youth, adolescent, and collegiate athletes. Her research spans acute and overuse sports injuries, concussion management, sport biomechanics, and musculoskeletal ultrasound. She has made significant contributions to understanding injury prevention strategies, safe return-to-play protocols, and the psychological aspects of sports injuries. Her work frequently addresses female athletes and elite/professional athletes, with emphasis on evidence-based approaches to optimize performance while minimizing injury risk. Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on concussion research, with multiple studies examining diagnostic approaches, recovery trajectories, and factors influencing outcomes. Her work spans biomechanics, mental health considerations in sports injuries, and innovative approaches to injury prevention across various athletic populations. Her scientific recognition includes: Election as Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (2003), becoming the second female pediatrician ever elected Election as Fellow of the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award from The New Aurora High School Alumni (1999) Invitation to serve as volunteer physician for the Olympic Training Center (2008) Multiple expert contributions to national media including Runner's World and the Naperville Sun Dr. Benjamin actively mentors through her coaching roles at high school and collegiate levels, emphasizing safe return-to-play post-injury and injury prevention. She has developed educational content through video productions for the American Academy of Pediatrics and serves as head team physician for the University of Chicago Lab School and the NCAA Division III UChicago Maroons. Notably, she is one of only a few sports medicine specialists in the country offering diagnostic and procedural musculoskeletal ultrasound in her office, demonstrating her commitment to advanced diagnostic capabilities for patient care.
