Akbal Gill is a Clinical Fellow in the Department of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine. Their work intersects with various clinical programs including the Yale Headache and Facial Pain Center, Yale Concussion Program, and Neurocritical Care initiatives. As a member of the Neurology faculty, they contribute to resident education pathways such as the Clinician Educator Distinction and Global Neurology Distinction. The Neurology department at Yale encompasses diverse research areas like neuroimmunology, neuromuscular medicine, and experimental neuroimaging, with Gill's role likely involving collaboration across these domains.
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.
Rachel Hildebrand is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology & Rehabilitative Sciences at the Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa. She serves as the Program Director for the Master of Athletic Training program, Director of Interprofessional Education, and Co-Director of the Concussion Center, playing key leadership roles in academic and clinical initiatives. Her research focuses on the impact of repetitive head trauma on cognition, balance, reaction time, and symptoms in athletes. Areas of expertise include concussion management, vestibulotherapy, and interprofessional and interdisciplinary education. Her work bridges clinical practice and academic training, promoting collaborative healthcare models. Rachel holds a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University, an M.Ed. from Xavier University, and a BSAT from The University of Tulsa. She is certified as an Athletic Trainer (ATC), Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT), Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT). She actively contributes to state, regional, and national committees in athletic training and concussion research, demonstrating strong professional engagement. Though no publications or awards are listed in the provided text, her leadership positions suggest significant scholarly and service contributions. Dr. Hildebrand is also involved in institutional initiatives such as interprofessional education and concussion research through the Concussion Center. Her work supports student training, clinical innovation, and community health, particularly in sports-related neurological injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Maria T. Schultheis is a Professor in Drexel University's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and holds a joint appointment in the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems. As Interim Director of Clinical Training, she oversees clinical psychology education. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University in 1998. Her research focuses on neurorehabilitation, particularly applying virtual reality (VR) technology to assess and improve driving capacity and everyday functioning in individuals with neurological disorders like traumatic brain injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. She has pioneered VR-based driving simulators for clinical evaluation and rehabilitation. Her work integrates clinical psychology, engineering, and transportation science, addressing cognitive, physical, and behavioral demands of driving post-neurological injury. Key projects include developing driving assessment protocols for disabled populations and investigating fatigue management in MS patients. Her interdisciplinary approach has been funded by NIH, NIDRR, and the NMSS. Notable awards include the 2007 APA Early Career Award (Division 40) and recognition from the National Academy of Neuropsychology. Schultheis leads the Applied Neuro-Technologies Lab, emphasizing ecologically valid methodologies. Over 35 peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international forums highlight her contributions. She serves on the National Research Council’s Transportation Research Board, influencing policy on neurological disorders and mobility. Grants have supported projects like VR-based financial competency assessments and understanding dual-task demands in post-concussion driving. Her research also explores decision-making competency in young adults and the neurocognitive correlates of risky driving behaviors. Collaborations with biomedical engineers and transportation specialists reflect her commitment to bridging clinical practice and technological innovation for functional recovery.
Frank E. Garcea, Ph.D., is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. His research focuses on the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying tool use, apraxia, and stroke recovery. He employs neuropsychological testing, fMRI, and lesion-symptom mapping to study brain injury effects on functional connectivity and action knowledge. Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, St. John Fisher College (2006–2010) PhD in Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester (2012–2017) Research Interests: Dr. Garcea investigates how brain regions like the parietal cortex and dorsal/ventral streams mediate object manipulation and tool use. His work explores stroke-related disconnection syndromes, motor speech coordination networks, and translational brain mapping to preserve neural function during surgery. He collaborates on projects involving epilepsy patients undergoing electrocorticography to study action-related neural pathways. Labs & Affiliations: Principal Investigator of the Garcea Lab at URMC, focusing on tool use deficits in brain tumor/stroke survivors. Affiliated with the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience and the Neurobiology & Anatomy Program. His lab integrates neuroimaging, lesion analysis, and clinical care to advance personalized brain mapping strategies.
Dr. Erin Ash is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at Clemson University , where she also serves as a Faculty Scholar in the Clemson University School of Health Research (CUSHR) and an Embedded Faculty Scholar at the South Carolina Department of Public Health. Ph.D. in Mass Communications, Pennsylvania State University (2013) M.A. in Media Studies, Pennsylvania State University (2010) B.A. in Communication, College of Charleston (2008) Her research focuses on media’s role in shaping public perceptions of social issues , particularly health behaviors and policies. Recent work examines reproductive health attitudes , racial stereotypes in sports media , and narrative persuasion for health policy support . She also explores intersectional representation in gaming and media-induced elevation for intergroup connectedness . Dr. Ash’s recent publications (2024–2025) emphasize social media’s impact on health communication , including teen pregnancy prevention , cross-cultural communication norms , and maternal health disparities . Earlier studies (2023–2015) analyze racialized athlete portrayals , binge drinking prevention , and media framing of public health crises . Award for Excellence in Service, Clemson University (2025) Top Faculty Paper, AEJMC (2011) Doctoral Award for Excellence in Communications, Penn State (2012)
Chelsey R. Carter is an Assistant Professor of Public Health in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Yale School of Public Health with a secondary appointment in the Department of Anthropology. A Black feminist anthropologist of medicine, public health, and race from St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Carter's interdisciplinary work bridges public health, anthropology, and critical race studies to address health inequities, particularly focusing on neurodegenerative diseases like ALS in Black communities. Dr. Carter received her BA in Anthropology from Emory University (2012), followed by an MPH and PhD from Washington University in St. Louis (2021), and completed a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship at Princeton University (2022). Her educational background reflects her commitment to both anthropological theory and public health practice. Her research examines the relationship between social determinants of health (particularly anti-Black racism, socioeconomic status, and gender) and neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and motor neuron diseases. Dr. Carter employs ethnographic research and qualitative methodologies to investigate how embodied inequality impacts diagnosis, treatment, and engagement in clinical trials for Black individuals with ALS. She also leads research on precision medicine and genomic research in Black communities through The Black Genome Project and studies caregiving among persons impacted by ALS. Her scholarship has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the Andrew Mellon Foundation, and the Wenner Gren Foundation. Analysis of Dr. Carter's recent publication trends reveals a strong focus on health equity, particularly examining how systemic racism manifests in medical settings and contributes to health disparities. Her work spans multiple domains including neurodegenerative diseases, HIV/AIDS care, genomics, and mental health, with consistent attention to intersectional approaches that consider race, gender, and socioeconomic status. A notable pattern in her scholarship is the use of qualitative and mixed methods to center the lived experiences of marginalized communities, challenging dominant biomedical paradigms through a Black feminist lens. Principal's Development Fund Visiting Scholar (2024) Distinguished Teaching Award from Yale School of Public Health (2023) Funding from the National Science Foundation Support from the Andrew Mellon Foundation Wenner Gren Foundation grant Dr. Carter actively mentors students and has developed innovative teaching approaches, including her course 'Biomedical Justice: Public Health Critiques and Praxis,' which encourages students to bring their full selves into the classroom. Her research has been supported by significant grants that enable community-engaged work addressing health disparities. She emphasizes the importance of community partnerships in her research, ensuring that academic work serves and is accountable to the communities being studied. Dr. Carter is Founder and Director of The LEITH (Lived Experiences Igniting Transformations in Health) Lab, which addresses Black invisibility and misdiagnosis for rare neurodegenerative and genetic diseases. The lab brings together persons and caregivers impacted by rare diseases, researchers, clinical providers, educators, students, and activists to develop more humanizing and critical approaches in the rare neurodegenerative field. The LEITH Lab's vision centers on advancing anti-racist research, fostering awareness through education, creating palliative networks for support, and developing a pipeline of health equity scholars.
Hamish Kerr, MD is a board-certified Clinical Professor in Sports Medicine at Albany Medical College. He serves as a team physician for Siena College, US Rugby Sevens, the United States Olympic Committee, and the Scottish Football Association. His clinical focus includes musculoskeletal medicine, injury prevention, and pediatric sports medicine. Education: MBChB (University of Glasgow, 1998), Residency in Internal Medicine/Pediatrics (Albany Medical College, 2003), Sports Medicine Fellowship (Boston Children's Hospital, 2006). Research interests span sports-related concussions and injury prevention, with recent work highlighted at international conferences. Awards include the Golden Apple Award for Teaching (2003). Affiliations: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. Clinical locations include The Bone & Joint Center in Albany, NY and the Latham View Office in Cohoes, NY.
Dr. Jatin P. Ambegaonkar is a Professor in the School of Kinesiology, College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University, where he serves as Associate Dean for Research. He holds a PhD from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Occupational Therapist. His translational research bridges laboratory science and community engagement to enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and improve health outcomes across populations. Research Focus: Dr. Ambegaonkar's work centers on interdisciplinary approaches to human movement, with emphasis on: Performing artists' health and injury epidemiology Biosensor applications in sports and dance Neuromechanical assessment and concussion management Falls prevention and quality of life in older adults Community-based health interventions for underserved populations His research vision— "Arts and Health for the Physically Active, Physical Activity for Health and Artists" —drives initiatives like the SMART Laboratory (co-founded in 2006) and the SHARe Consortium. Publications: His 80+ articles demonstrate consistent focus on injury mechanisms, dance science, and aging research, with recent emphasis on kinesiophobia (2024), multifactorial fall interventions (2024), and longitudinal dancer fitness (2023). Methodologies span systematic reviews, RCTs, biomechanical analyses, and community trials. Leadership & Grants: As founding co-director of the SMART Laboratory, he leads projects including: ACHIEVES: Free athletic healthcare for underserved students POISED: Falls prevention in older adults SHARe Consortium: Multidisciplinary injury prevention for artists He has secured $6.4M across 30 grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Potomac Health Foundation, and others. Editorial Roles: Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science ; Editorial Board member for the Journal of Athletic Training ; reviewer for 25+ scientific journals.
Professor Roy Pea is the David Jacks Professor of Education & Learning Sciences at Stanford University, with a courtesy appointment in Computer Science. He served as Director of the H-STAR Institute (2007-2021) and founded Stanford’s PhD program in Learning Sciences and Technology Design. His research focuses on technology-enhanced learning, social foundations of human learning, and interdisciplinary applications of digital tools. Stanford University, School of Education Graduate School of Education Department Courtesy appointment in Computer Science His work spans complex domains like concussion education, climate change learning, and AI-driven mental health interventions. He co-authored the 2010 National Education Technology Plan and co-edited key texts including Video Research in the Learning Sciences and AI in Education . His NSF-funded LIFE Center (2004-2014) advanced learning science theories. Recent publications address: (1) linguistic framing of concussions and reporting behavior, (2) AI chatbots for mental health, (3) "engineering fiction" to reduce climate change abstractness, and (4) immersive AR/LLM learning experiences. His research integrates data science, psychology, and educational technology. Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2019) Inaugural Fellow, International Society of the Learning Sciences (2018) Honorary Doctorate, The Open University (2018) Best Bridging Paper, EDM 2014 LAK13 Best Paper Award (2013) Roy mentors doctoral and master’s students in learning sciences, advising on topics related to technology, cognition, and equity. He contributes to digital education policy through roles on advisory boards for organizations like NSF, NIH, and the Joan Ganz Cooney Center. His patents include methods for digital video analysis and collaborative learning systems.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityUnited States
Stefan Duma is the Harry C. Wyatt Professor of Engineering and a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech. He is currently serving as Interim Department Head in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics within the College of Engineering. He also directs the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Sciences and leads the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia (2000) M.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Cincinnati (1996) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee (1995) Dr. Duma's research focuses on injury and impact biomechanics, with applications in automobile safety design , sports biomechanics (especially football and hockey), and military restraint systems . His work investigates head and neck injury mechanisms, concussion thresholds, and protective equipment performance. He has pioneered methodologies for evaluating helmet safety and individualized injury tolerance. The recent publications reflect a strong focus on head impact biomechanics , concussion prediction , and wearable sensor validation . The research spans youth and collegiate sports, drone impact risks, and automotive safety. Key themes include individual variability in injury response, helmet performance assessment, and translational safety applications. Scientific recognition includes his appointment as a University Distinguished Professor and leadership roles, though specific awards are not listed in the provided text. Dr. Duma advises a team of researchers and students, including Steven Rowson, Abigail Tyson, and Eamon Campolettano. His lab has secured significant research funding (implied by patent and publication volume), particularly in developing safety standards and injury prevention technologies. The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab is central to his research, conducting experiments with human volunteers, PMHS, and advanced instrumentation. His lab, the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, is a leading center for impact biomechanics research, focusing on real-world safety challenges in sports, transportation, and emerging technologies like drones.
Peter Fino is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation within the College of Health at the University of Utah. He directs the Neuromechanics and Applied Locomotion Lab, which is situated within the Cognitive and Motor Neuroscience research theme. His research focuses on understanding and improving mobility in individuals with neurological dysfunction, particularly those with brain injuries, using core concepts from biomechanics and motor control to develop better diagnostic tools and rehabilitation approaches. Dr. Fino's research explores how humans maintain stability during everyday activities that require complex motor control. His primary areas of investigation include: Foot placement control during walking and turning on uneven surfaces Balance recovery mechanisms following perturbations Effects of neurological conditions like concussion and Parkinson's disease on gait Development and application of inertial sensor technology for clinical assessment Neuroanatomical correlates of motor dysfunction after brain injury Nonlinear dynamics approaches to understanding human movement His lab employs a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with engineers, clinicians, physical therapists, and neuroscientists to translate research findings into practical applications that improve people's lives. Current projects examine mobility in populations with traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological conditions, with particular focus on turning gait, dual-task performance, and objective measurement of balance recovery using wearable sensor technology. Dr. Fino actively mentors a diverse research team comprising PhD students, MS students, research coordinators, and undergraduate researchers. His lab has produced numerous graduates who have gone on to academic positions, clinical research roles, and healthcare professions. He maintains strong collaborative relationships across the University of Utah and with external institutions including Oregon Health & Science University, University of Nebraska Omaha, and US Army-Baylor Physical Therapy. The lab participates in outreach through National Biomechanics Day and partnerships with high school programs to introduce students to biomechanics and neuroscience.
Dr. Ara J. Schmitt is a Professor of School Psychology and Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Advancement at Duquesne University's School of Education. He holds a Ph.D. from Illinois State University (2001) and a B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1996). His research focuses on neuropsychological assessment, evidence-based interventions for learning disabilities, school-based chronic illness management, and bullying dynamics. Dr. Schmitt has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and textbooks, including Patterns of Learning Disorders (2006) and Theory and Cases in School-Based Consultation (2020). Education: Ph.D., School Psychology, Illinois State University (2001); B.S., Psychology, University of Illinois (1996) Professional Roles: Associate Dean for Research, School Psychology Program Director, Adjunct Faculty Collaborator His research interests emphasize applied interventions in schools, including neurocognitive assessments, concussion management, and bullying prevention. He has pioneered studies on Taped Problems Intervention adaptations for remote learning and explored cognitive predictors of bullying behavior in adolescents. Recent work addresses socially responsive evaluation practices in health psychology and disparities in concussion awareness among athletes and parents. Dr. Schmitt has advised over 20 graduate students and contributed to national initiatives like the CCTC 2020 guidelines for health psychology training. His work bridges clinical practice and education, particularly in supporting students with chronic illnesses and neurodiverse needs.
Ivan Selesnick is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, with joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Radiology. He holds affiliations with the Center for Advanced Technology in Telecommunications (CATT) and leads the Selesnick Lab. His research focuses on signal and image processing, sparse signal models, wavelet analysis, and biomedical applications. He received his degrees from Rice University (BS, MEE, PhD in EE) and has been recognized with prestigious awards including the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (1997), NSF Career Award (1999), and IEEE Fellow (2016). Education: BS, MEE, and PhD in Electrical Engineering from Rice University (1990, 1991, 1996). He joined NYU Tandon in 1997 and served as a visiting professor at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in 1997. Research Interests: Signal Processing, Sparse Signal Models, Wavelet Analysis, Biomedical Signal Processing, and Optimization Techniques. His work emphasizes applications in medicine, imaging, and engineering systems. Awards: In addition to his fellowships, he received the Jacobs Excellence in Education Award (2003) and the Budd Award for Best Engineering Thesis (1996). He has held editorial roles at IEEE Transactions on Image Processing, Signal Processing Letters, and Computational Imaging. Teaching: Courses include Signals, Systems, and Transforms (EE 3054), Digital Signal Processing I/II (EL 6113/EL 7133), Wavelets and Filter Banks (EL 7163), and Biomedical Signal Processing (EL 9133). Labs and Affiliations: Director of the Selesnick Lab, involved in NYU Tandon Future Labs (business incubators) and CATT (telecommunications research). His research spans biomedical sensing, radar signal processing, and algorithm development for medical diagnostics.
Dr. Laura J. Balcer is a Professor in the Departments of Neurology, Ophthalmology, and Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She specializes in Neuro-Ophthalmology and serves as the Director of DAPC/Faculty Affairs and Vice Chair of the Department of Neurology. Since joining NYU Langone in 2012, she has been dedicated to mentoring trainees and advancing research in neurological disorders, particularly focusing on vision-related issues linked to brain conditions like multiple sclerosis and concussions. Dr. Balcer's educational background includes: MD from Johns Hopkins University (1991) Residency in Neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (1995) Fellowship in Neuro-Ophthalmology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (1996) Her research interests center on neuro-ophthalmology, concussion assessment, and multiple sclerosis. She is renowned for pioneering the use of vision testing, such as the King-Devick test, to diagnose concussions in athletes and improve patient care through interdisciplinary collaboration. Her work bridges clinical practice and technology, including mobile health applications for cognitive assessment. Her recent research explores innovative diagnostic tools, such as tablet-based assessments for Alzheimer’s and mobile applications for concussion evaluation, reflecting her commitment to advancing early detection and treatment strategies in neurology. In addition to her clinical and research contributions, Dr. Balcer has mentored numerous trainees and secured grants to study neurological disorders. Her work is supported by initiatives such as the DIAGNOSE CTE Research Project and studies on vision-related biomarkers. She collaborates with the NYU Langone Concussion Center and interdisciplinary teams including rehabilitation doctors, sports medicine experts, and therapists to provide comprehensive patient care.
