Dr. M. Ben Christensen serves as a Research Assistant Professor holding dual appointments in the Department of Surgery (primary) and Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Utah, with his primary academic home in the Division of Urology within Surgery. His research program bridges urological and otolaryngological disciplines through investigations of fibrosis, inflammation, and neural tissue responses. His core research interests include: Fibrosis mechanisms in Peyronie's Disease and Dupuytren's Disease Idiopathic subglottic stenosis and corticosteroid-induced airway inflammation Vocal fold paralysis from nerve damage Foreign body response to neural microelectrodes Biomechanics of nerve and tissue deformation Analysis of Dr. Christensen's publication record (2015-2024) reveals consistent focus on translational applications of biomedical engineering to clinical problems. His work demonstrates expertise in animal modeling (rat, rabbit, porcine), human tissue histology, and biomaterial development, with recurring themes of tissue remodeling in fibrotic disorders, neural implant biocompatibility, and regenerative approaches for vocal fold repair. Key methodological strengths include biomechanical testing and morphometric analysis of neural structures.
Christian S. Guay, MD, MS, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Utah. He practices clinically at multiple locations including the Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Hospital SICU/ICU, and University of Utah Hospital Anesthesiology departments. His specialties include Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Neuroanesthesia. Education: Medicine (MD, MS) at Saba University School of Medicine, Engineering, Neuroscience, and Psychology at McGill University Fellowships: Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Residency: Anesthesiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Barnes-Jewish Hospital Dr. Guay's research focuses on anesthetic brain states, EEG monitoring during sedation, postoperative delirium mechanisms, and sleep medicine applications in critical care. His work bridges anesthesiology with neurophysiology, particularly in consciousness tracking during anesthesia and recovery. Recent publications highlight his expertise in Dexmedetomidine-induced sedation , EEG spectral analysis , post-cardiac surgery delirium , and neurophysiological monitoring . He actively contributes to clinical trial protocols and systematic reviews in anesthetic pharmacodynamics. Dr. Guay is affiliated with the SAND Lab and has published extensively on topics like consciousness tracking, sleep homeostasis during sedation, and microvascular flow analysis. His collaborative work spans institutions including Massachusetts General Hospital, Washington University, and international teams in critical care research.
Blake D. Hamilton, MD is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Utah. He is a fellowship-trained endourologist specializing in minimally invasive urologic surgery, with a focus on kidney and adrenal procedures. Board Certified by the American Board of Urology Specializes in Robotic Surgery, Kidney Stones, and Renal Autotransplantation Dr. Hamilton pioneered urologic laparoscopy at the Cleveland Clinic in the 1990s and later introduced robotic technologies for kidney surgery at the University of Utah. His clinical expertise spans: Laparoscopic and Robotic Adrenal Surgery Renal Autotransplantation Management of Complex Kidney Stone Disease Robotic Ureteral Reimplantation With over 25 years of experience, he has performed thousands of endoscopic procedures and leads the Kidney Autotransplant multidisciplinary program at University of Utah Health. His research interests bridge surgical innovation and patient outcomes, particularly in robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy and autotransplantation techniques.
Jinxing Li is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University with dual faculty appointments in the Neuroscience Program and Cell & Molecular Biology Program. Their research focuses on developing nanoscale neural interfaces using soft materials and microelectronic devices to enable precise, minimally invasive stimulation and sensing of neural circuits for applications ranging from brain-gut neurotransmitter monitoring to pediatric neuromodulation. Research Interests: Dr. Li pioneers soft bioelectronics and micro/nanorobotics to create biocompatible neural probes that integrate electrical, optical, acoustic, and magnetic modalities. Key innovations include morphable neuromodulators accommodating tissue growth and tissue-like sensors for chronic in vivo monitoring. Their work bridges neural engineering , materials science , and clinical translation to overcome limitations of rigid neural interfaces. Publication Trends: Recent work (2022-2025) demonstrates escalating focus on magnetic particle imaging , 3D-printed microrobots , and sustainable manufacturing of biomedical devices. Articles reveal a strategic shift toward multimodal sensing (e.g., Spiral NeuroString) and clinical applications in pulmonary fibrosis and stress monitoring, with strong emphasis on biocompatibility and pediatric adaptability. Scientific Awards: No awards specified in source materials Advising & Grants: While specific students and funding sources aren't listed, Dr. Li's high-output publication record (15+ articles in 2025 alone) across Nature/Science family journals indicates substantial grant support in bioelectronics and neural engineering. The lab likely trains graduate students in interdisciplinary device fabrication and in vivo validation. Laboratory: The research group (accessible via labli.net ) operates at the intersection of nanofabrication and neuroscience, specializing in soft microelectronics for chronic neural interfacing with demonstrated expertise in magnetic actuation, stretchable sensors, and biodegradable components.
Jens Brøndum Frøkjær is a Clinical Professor at Aalborg University Hospital under the Faculty of Health Sciences . He works in the Diagnostic Imaging Department , focusing on imaging-based biomarkers for early disease detection, classification, and treatment monitoring. His research spans neuropathy , neuroplasticity , chronic pain , and visceral organ pathologies , particularly chronic pancreatitis . He leads the Radiology Research Center , an interdisciplinary hub integrating radiology , biomedical engineering , and translational medicine . Core research: MRI acquisition/analysis, neuromodulation therapies Key collaborations: European Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency Multidisciplinary Group , University of Aalborg , international consortia Recent publications emphasize AI-driven radiomics in CT imaging , pancreas segmentation , and neuropathic pain mechanisms in diabetes . His work bridges clinical implementation of imaging diagnostics and multidisciplinary research networks .
Lise Mørkved Helsingen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Clinical Medicine , UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Her work bridges Gastroenterology , Public Health , and Clinical Epidemiology , with a focus on evidence-based guidelines and cancer screening. Key Research Areas : Colorectal cancer screening, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), patient-centered care, and healthcare policy. Recent Publications highlight trends in IBD management, AI-assisted colonoscopy, and frameworks for balancing screening benefits/harms. Scientific Contributions : Developed guidelines for the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE). Co-authored influential works in The BMJ , JAMA Internal Medicine , and Annals of Oncology . Investigated SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Norway and Sweden during the pandemic. Lise collaborates with leading researchers like Michael Bretthauer and Magnus Løberg. Her work emphasizes shared decision-making , preventive medicine , and global healthcare standards .
Dr. Fanny Hontoir is an Assistant Professor in Animal Anatomy at the University of Namur's Faculty of Sciences, specializing in musculoskeletal system research and functional imaging of articular cartilage. With a Doctorate in Veterinary Sciences (2018) and extensive experience in ovine osteoarthritis models, she contributes to biomedical research through innovative imaging techniques and proteomic biomarker discovery. Veterinary Medicine - University of Liège (2007) X-Ray Radiation Safety Accreditation (2007) FELASA Accreditation (Category C) - Laboratory Animal Sciences (2011) PhD in Veterinary Sciences - University of Namur (2018) Her research focuses on developing ovine models for osteoarthritis detection, combining MRI and CT imaging with cartilage biology studies. Recent projects explore small nucleolar RNA in aging, surgical induction of osteoarthritis, and proteomic biomarker discovery in synovial fluid. She actively contributes to veterinary education through digital tools like annotated radiographs and palpation videos, and participates in conferences (OARSI 2024, EULAR Congress 2025). Key research trends involve cross-disciplinary applications of imaging technologies, sustainable animal husbandry practices (solar grazing), and translational medicine bridging veterinary and human osteoarthritis research. Her work aligns with UN SDGs for sustainability and educational innovation. Dr. Hontoir collaborates with institutions across Europe, supervises research projects, and serves on the board of the Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information. She has contributed to 68 research outputs, 3 datasets, and 90 academic activities including peer-review and invited lectures.
Ryan Campagna, M.D., M.Ed. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center. His clinical focus includes thoracic and foregut surgery, with expertise in treating conditions such as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, GERD, and achalasia. Dr. Campagna received his M.D. from Ohio State University College of Medicine and an M.M.S. from the University of Cincinnati. He completed a General Surgery residency at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University and a Cardiothoracic Surgery fellowship at the University of Michigan, where he trained in robotic thoracic surgery and obtained AATS certification in thoracic robotics. His research interests center on esophageal motility disorders minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery clinical outcomes in functional esophageal disease endoscopic surgical techniques Publications reflect trends in gastrointestinal endoscopy, surgical education, and the application of robotic and endoscopic methods to treat achalasia and other foregut conditions. Dr. Campagna is affiliated with UR Medicine Faculty Group and Accountable Health Partners, a regional network of over 2,000 providers. He is accepting new patients and can be reached at (585) 275-1509.
Joel B. Fontanarosa, M.D., Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Rochester's School of Medicine and Dentistry. As a faculty member of the University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group (URMFG), he practices at the Wilmot Cancer Institute where he specializes in head and neck surgical oncology. Dr. Fontanarosa is board-certified in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery by the American Board of Otolaryngology. Education and Training: B.A. from The University of Chicago M.D. and Ph.D. in Bioinformatics from University of Illinois College of Medicine Residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Northwestern University Fellowship in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School Research Focus: Dr. Fontanarosa's research centers on developing computational methods to analyze head and neck cancer at the genomic level. His work aims to create personalized prevention, diagnosis, and treatment protocols based on molecular tumor characteristics. Key research areas include bioinformatics applications in oncology, genomic sequencing analysis, and computational modeling of cancer progression.
Kilian Stenzel is a Researcher in the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at Philipps University of Marburg. He completed his PhD in Psychology at the same institution in October 2023 with a dissertation titled 'A multi-methods investigation of repetitive negative thinking and its subconstructs' under the supervision of Dr. Max Berg. His work focuses on transdiagnostic processes in psychopathology using advanced methodologies including meta-analysis, network modeling, and ecological momentary assessment. His educational background includes: PhD in Psychology (2023), Philipps University of Marburg Master's in Psychology (2023), Julius-Maximilian-University Würzburg Bachelor's in Psychology (2021), Julius-Maximilian-University Würzburg Undergraduate studies in Computer Science, Neuroscience, and Mathematics (2021-2022), Dartmouth College Dr. Stenzel's research primarily investigates transdiagnostic processes in psychopathology, with a special focus on repetitive negative thinking, rumination, and worry. He employs innovative methodologies including network modeling of psychopathological processes (both idiographic and nomothetic approaches), ecological momentary assessment, and machine learning techniques. His work also explores social motives such as trust and empathy, as well as the neuroscience of social decision-making processes using EEG and Drift-Diffusion Modeling. This interdisciplinary approach bridges clinical psychology, neuroscience, and computational methods to better understand the mechanisms underlying psychological disorders. His publications demonstrate a strong focus on understanding anxiety-related processes and developing transdiagnostic approaches to treatment. The research shows particular attention to how social interactions affect anxiety responses differently in men and women, and how cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively target repetitive negative thinking across diagnostic boundaries. His methodological approach combines laboratory experiments with real-world data collection to enhance ecological validity. Dr. Stenzel has received notable recognition for his academic work: Germany Scholarship from Julius-Maximilian University of Würzburg (2022) Full scholarship for one academic year at Dartmouth College, awarded by the Association of German-American Clubs (2021) As an educator, Dr. Stenzel has served as a seminar leader for Translational Aspects of Psychotherapy at Philipps University of Marburg (2024-2025) and as an assistant to the seminar leader for Research-oriented internships. Previously, he taught German language courses at Dartmouth College and served as a tutor for Functional Neuroanatomy at Julius-Maximilian-University Würzburg. His clinical training includes work at the Psychotherapy-Ambulanz Marburg and clinical internships in neuropsychology at Charité, Berlin, and in eating disorders at Schön Klinik Roseneck. Dr. Stenzel is actively involved in research collaborations, including work with the Psychotherapy Forum Würzburg eV and EACLIPT. His current research combines clinical psychology with advanced computational methods to develop more effective, transdiagnostic approaches to understanding and treating psychological disorders.
Laura Mandefield is a Research Fellow (Statistician) at the York Trials Unit within the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York. She joined the York Trials Unit in July 2019 after previously working at Sheffield Clinical Trials Research Unit. Mandefield holds an MSc in Statistics from the University of Leeds (2014) and a BSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Edinburgh. Her research focuses on statistical methodology for clinical trials, with particular expertise in methods for handling missing data, analysis of cluster randomized controlled trials (including those with clustering by health professional), and design and analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies. She has contributed statistical expertise to numerous clinical trials across diverse medical domains including diabetes management for people with severe mental illness, surgical interventions, transitions of care for older people, autism interventions, and wound care. Analysis of Mandefield's publication record reveals a strong focus on trial methodology and statistical analysis in health research, with particular emphasis on complex trial designs including cluster randomized trials, trials with multiple interventions, and studies requiring sophisticated handling of missing data. Her work spans both medical and surgical specialties, demonstrating versatility in applying statistical methods across diverse clinical contexts. Laura Mandefield has contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed publications between 2016 and 2025, with consistent contributions as a statistician across multiple high-impact clinical trials. Her collaborative work involves partnerships with numerous clinical researchers across the UK and internationally. She provides statistical support for clinical trial methodology and analysis at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels within the Department of Health Sciences.
Prof. dr. Henny Meijer is a Professor in Implant Dentistry at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen. His research focuses on implant dentistry, overdentures, lower jaw reconstruction, and patient satisfaction in oral surgery. He is affiliated with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and actively contributes to clinical research in dental implants and esthetic zone treatments. Professor in Implant Dentistry Faculty of Medical Sciences UMCG - University of Groningen Meijer’s research explores soft tissue integration, peri-implantitis treatment, and digital workflows in implant placement. His work addresses challenges in immediate implantation, zirconia restorations, and alveolar ridge preservation. Recent projects include randomized controlled trials on soft tissue augmentation and long-term outcomes of full-zirconia implant restorations. His publications span topics like implant placement protocols, surgical revisions for failed implants, and patient-reported outcomes. Articles emphasize evidence-based practices and technological advancements in implant dentistry, with collaborations across Europe and contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals through clinical innovation. NVOI Best Original Article 2024 Beste publicatie 2019 (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Orale Implantologie) European prize for clinical research - surgery 2019 Beste publicatie 2018 (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Orale Implantologie) Meijer supervises PhD students at the University of Groningen and participates in professional organizations like the European Association for Osseointegration. His work combines clinical practice, education, and research to advance implant dentistry’s efficacy and patient care standards.
Kurt Schilling is a Research Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University , affiliated with both the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE) . He is a member of the Medical-image Analysis and Statistical Interpretation (MASI) Lab , working under the mentorship of Bennett Landman . PhD in Biomedical Engineering (2020), Vanderbilt University B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, University of Toledo Research Interests focus on advanced MRI techniques for mapping brain microstructure and connectivity, particularly using diffusion MRI to study aging and neurodegenerative diseases. His work spans image acquisition , processing algorithms , and biomedical modeling to improve diagnostic accuracy and understanding of brain networks. Recent Publications address critical challenges in diffusion MRI harmonization , white matter functional networks , and machine learning applications for neuroimaging across aging cohorts. Key contributions include deep learning pipelines for bias correction and quantitative T1 mapping comparisons.
James Weimer is an Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University with joint appointments in the Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering. He is affiliated with the Vanderbilt School of Engineering, the Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS), and the Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE). Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (2010) M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (2007) B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Purdue University (2005) Weimer’s research develops foundational tools for safety guarantees in learning-enabled cyber-physical systems (LE-CPS), targeting the internet-of-medical-things (IoMT) and autonomous vehicles. His work addresses challenges like unmodeled variability, dataset shifts, and sensing constraints through interdisciplinary collaboration with medical professionals and industry. His lab, the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) Lab, focuses on technology transfer and commercialization. Current projects include applications of LE-CPS in pandemic-induced social isolation, robust concept learning for adversarial environments, and medical device innovation. TIME 2022 Best Invention in Medical Care (Neuralert stroke detector) ACM TECS 2022 Best Paper (Verisig) NIH STTR Grant Phase 1 (Vasowatch) Weimer co-founded Neuralert Technologies and Vasowatch. His research is supported by grants from NSF, NIH, ARO MURI, and DARPA.
Athena Jalalian is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Design, Production and Management at the University of Twente's Faculty of Engineering Technology. She previously held a Research Fellow position at Keppel-NUS Corporate Lab (2016-2018) and served as a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Deakin University (Australia). PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing) from National University of Singapore (NUS), 2016 Recipient of NUS research scholarship Her research focuses on biomechanics of human joints and computational modeling for orthopaedic surgery optimization, particularly in scoliosis correction. She developed novel dynamic models and in-house surgical planning software during her PhD. Current work involves minimizing surgical complications through advanced biomechanical simulations. Best paper award in Industrial Conference on Data Mining (2016)
