Elizabeth Phelps is the Pershing Square Professor of Human Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. She directs the Phelps Lab, which investigates how emotions influence learning, memory, and decision-making using multidisciplinary approaches including behavioral studies, neuroimaging (fMRI), physiological measurements, and computational modeling. The lab collaborates widely across psychology, neuroscience, economics, and clinical disciplines. Her research examines: Human neuroscience of affect and cognition interactions Emotional modulation of learning and memory systems Neural mechanisms of decision-making under uncertainty Impact of emotion on social cognition and behavior Translational applications for psychological disorders Contact information: Email: phelps@fas.harvard.edu Lab email: phelpslab@fas.harvard.edu Address: Northwest Lab Building, 52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 The lab welcomes study participants and research assistant applicants, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in research.
Dr. Nancy L. Sin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology within the Faculty of Arts at the University of British Columbia. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in health psychology and supervises students at multiple levels. She is Co-Chair of the Antiracism Task Force for the Society for Biopsychosocial Science and Medicine and a member of the Steering Committee at the UBC Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging. Previously, she served on the Executive Committee for the American Psychological Association's Division on Adult Development and Aging and established the Diversity Mentorship Program. PhD, University of California, Riverside, 2012 Dr. Sin's research focuses on biological and behavioural pathways linking daily well-being and stress to health. Her work demonstrates that emotional responses to daily stressors are associated with inflammatory, neuroendocrine, and autonomic mechanisms implicated in aging-related conditions like cardiovascular disease. She investigates daily positive events as protective factors for stress processes and health, with particular interest in emotional well-being and aging, stress-sleep cycles, and health equity. Her research spans multiple disciplines including health psychology, gerontology, and social psychology. Analysis of Dr. Sin's recent publications reveals consistent focus on daily stress processes, positive emotions, and health outcomes across the lifespan. Her work increasingly examines pandemic-related stressors, social determinants of health, and health disparities, with strong emphasis on methodological rigor through daily diary and longitudinal approaches. The publications demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across psychology, public health, and medicine, with growing attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion in health research. Distinguished Alumni Award, Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside (2025) Fellow, Gerontological Society of America (2025) Innovative Research on Aging Award (Bronze Award) from the Mather Institute (2021) Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar (2020) Springer Early Career Achievement Award in Research on Adult Development and Aging (2019) Gerontological Society of America's Behavioral and Social Sciences Student Research Award Editor's Choice article at Annals of Behavioral Medicine Dr. Sin actively supervises undergraduate, MA, and PhD students, with a current focus on Health Psychology graduate students specializing in adult development and aging, stress, and health equity/disparities. Her research has been supported by significant grants as PI or Co-I from the U.S. National Institute on Aging, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research. She has established a strong research program examining daily experiences and their health implications across adulthood. Dr. Sin directs the UPLIFT Health Lab (Understanding Pathways Linking Inter- and Intraindividual Factors To Health), which explores psychosocial well-being and biobehavioural mechanisms underlying healthy aging. The lab investigates how daily positive events promote health through lower inflammation, adaptive cortisol profiles, and better health behaviors, with particular attention to how positive emotions buffer stress processes. The lab actively recruits community participants for studies on daily experiences and health, contributing to intervention development for promoting psychological and physical well-being across adulthood.
Dr. Steven A. Miller is a Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, within the College of Health Professions. He joined RFUMS in 2013 and serves as a statistics consultant for the university. His academic background includes a PhD in Social Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, an M.S. in Psychology from Illinois State University with specialization in Clinical Psychology, and an M.S. in Mathematics from Loyola University Chicago with specialization in Probability and Statistics. PhD in Social Psychology, Loyola University Chicago M.S. in Psychology, Illinois State University (Clinical Psychology specialization) M.S. in Mathematics, Loyola University Chicago (Probability and Statistics specialization) Dr. Miller's research focuses on the intricate relationship between personality characteristics/individual differences and emotional experiences. He investigates anxiety and emotional disorders, social cognitive models of personality, and applies quantitative methodology to psychological questions. His work examines intra-individual variability in emotional responses and how situational factors interact with personality to shape emotional experiences. He employs diverse methodologies including experience sampling studies and laboratory experiments to explore these complex dynamics. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on psychopathy, emotion regulation, network analysis of personality, and the tripartite model of anxiety and depression. His work spans clinical, forensic, and general populations, often employing sophisticated statistical techniques. There's a clear trajectory toward more complex modeling approaches including network analysis, longitudinal modeling, and advanced psychometric techniques across his publication history. Accredited Professional Statistician (PStat®) with the American Statistical Association Chartered Statistician (CStat) with the Royal Statistical Society Dr. Miller actively mentors graduate students, with numerous student co-authors appearing in his publications. He teaches advanced statistical courses including multivariate statistics, longitudinal models, and categorical data analysis. He is currently accepting doctoral students for the 2026/2027 academic year. His collaborative research spans multiple institutions including DePaul University and Texas A&M, focusing on emerging adults, romantic relationships, and chronic illness. His research laboratory examines the fundamental relationship between personality and emotion, exploring how situational contingencies and individual expectancies shape emotional responses. Current collaborative projects investigate daily experiences of emerging adults, psychopathy in romantic relationships, and social media use among individuals with chronic illness using diverse methodological approaches.
Prof. Dr. Dr. Elisabeth Binder is the Director of the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry and leads the Max Planck Research Group "Genes and Environment" in Munich, Germany. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders, particularly how genetic and environmental factors interact in disease development. Education: Medicine (University of Vienna), Neuroscience (Emory University) Affiliations: Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, International Max-Planck Research School Translational Psychiatry, Graduate School of Systemic Neuroscience Research Interests: Elisabeth Binder investigates gene-environment interactions in psychiatric disorders, emphasizing early trauma and stress response. Her work employs next-generation sequencing, epigenetic analysis, and induced pluripotent stem cells to identify biological markers for disease prevention and treatment. Scientific Awards: Theodore Reich Young Investigator Award (2010) Max Hamilton Memorial Prize (2012) Eva King-Killam Research Award (2016) Carus Medal (2017) Ron the Kloet Award for Stress Research (2019) Leadership Roles: She is a member of the German National Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina), a Fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, and serves on multiple international advisory committees and executive boards in psychiatry and neuroscience.
Jesse J. Helton, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Saint Louis University, where he has been since 2014. His research focuses on child maltreatment, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), food insecurity, and disability, with notable work published in JAMA Pediatrics , Child Maltreatment , and Preventative Medicine . He holds editorial roles at the Child Maltreatment journal and serves on the Prevention Committee of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children. Dr. Helton’s community partnerships address child abuse prevention, food security, and family violence mitigation in collaboration with statewide and local organizations. Education: Ph.D. in Social Work, University of Illinois; M.A. in Social Work, University of New Hampshire. Research Interests: Dr. Helton’s work explores intersections between childhood trauma, socioeconomic factors, and health outcomes. Key themes include the impact of food insecurity on caregiver-child dynamics, disparities in ACEs among marginalized groups, and policy interventions to reduce maltreatment. His studies often employ mixed-methods approaches, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights from affected communities. Awards: Recipient of the 2020 Association of Jesuit Colleges Leadership Institute award, 2018 Outstanding Young Alumni from Eureka College, and a 2014 Innovative Teaching Fellowship from SLU’s Reinert Center. Teaching: Courses include Principles of Statistics and Data Analysis , Research Methods for Diverse Societies , and Science of Helping . He emphasizes evidence-based practices and culturally responsive pedagogy. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across universities and NGOs, focusing on translational research to inform child welfare policies and community programs.
Gavin Oxburgh is a Professor of Police Science at Northumbria University and an HCPC-registered Consultant Forensic Psychologist. He holds Chartered Psychologist and Chartered Scientist statuses, and serves as Assistant Director of The Northern Hub for Veteran and Military Families Research. With 22 years in the Royal Air Force Police as a senior detective specializing in child protection and sexual offenses, he now advises globally on legal psychology and human rights. His work includes collaboration with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and contributions to the UN-led Mendez Principles on Effective Interviewing. Research focuses on legal/criminological psychology, including international human rights, non-coercive interviewing, false memories, and veterans' issues. He has secured over £5M in grants from ESRC, EPSRC, and defense-related funds. Key roles include editorial positions for Journal of Investigative Psychology and Torture Journal , and Associate Investigator status with EPSRC/GCHQ's Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR). Professional activities include founding ETICA (Global) for ethical investigative practices and co-founding the International Investigative Interviewing Research Group (iIIRG). He trains investigators worldwide, including UN agencies, European institutions, and South African law enforcement. His qualifications include a PhD in Psychology (2011), PGCLTHE (2008), and Fellow of the British Psychological Society (FBPsS). Notable projects include studies on remote forensic interviewing during the pandemic, veteran suicide prevention, and capacity-building in counter-wildlife crime. His work emphasizes ethical interviewing techniques, cross-cultural challenges, and technology's role in modern investigations.
Karestan C. Koenen is Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and an Associate Member at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard . She also serves as Affiliated Faculty at the Harvard University Center for the Environment , advising students in Epidemiology and Social Behavioral Sciences. BA in Economics, Wellesley College MA in Developmental Psychology, Columbia University PhD in Clinical Psychology, Boston University Post-doctoral Fellowship in Psychiatric Epidemiology, Columbia University Dr. Koenen's research focuses on three areas: (1) understanding PTSD resilience, (2) trauma's long-term physical health impacts, and (3) expanding access to evidence-based mental health treatments. Her work bridges genetics, global mental health, and trauma epidemiology, with recent studies on epigenetic aging, cognitive outcomes after trauma, and substance use comorbidities. Her 2025 publications span psychiatric genetics, trauma neurobiology, and women's health, emphasizing machine learning, neuroimaging, and population-level interventions. Current projects include the Broad Trauma Initiative and NIMH-funded training programs. 2025 Junior Faculty Mentoring Award 2021 Pamela Sklar Innovation Award 2017 Distinguished Alumnae Award 2015 Robert S. Laufer Memorial Award Dr. Koenen actively trains graduate students through the Trauma Epidemiology and Population Mental Health Research Group . She integrates advocacy into her work, having testified before Congress and consulted on documentaries about trauma, while publishing in outlets like the Boston Globe and Psychology Today . Her lab collaborates on mental health policy and global trauma research.
Nabeel Nabulsi is a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging at Yale School of Medicine. He serves as Associate Director of the Yale PET Center, Deputy Director of the PET Center Chemistry Section, and Director of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Control at the Yale PET Center. His research focuses on developing radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging in CNS disorders and oncology, particularly targeting Alzheimer's disease, pancreatic cancer, and FAAH inhibition. BA in Chemistry (pre-Medicine), University of Texas at Arlington (1980) MS in Organic Chemistry, Texas Tech University (1984) PhD in Organic/Bioorganic Chemistry, Louisiana State University (1991) Dr. Nabulsi specializes in synthetic methodologies for radiopharmaceuticals with short half-life radionuclides (C-11, F-18). His work explores: Synaptic density imaging via SV2A radioligands in Alzheimer's and schizophrenia Neuroimmune mechanisms in PTSD and alcohol use disorder Pancreatic cancer detection through PepT1 transporter-targeted radiotracers Endocannabinoid system analysis in psychiatric disorders HDAC6 imaging for neurodegenerative research Key collaborations include Richard Carson, Jean-Dominique Gallezot, and Yiyun Huang. He contributes to clinical trials on synaptic density in Alzheimer's disease and cortisol metabolism imaging.
Laurie Ford is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia , affiliated with the Faculty of Education and the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education . She serves as the SACP Admissions Coordinator , Director of Training , and Director of Early Childhood Education . Her work bridges Child and Adolescent Development with Family-School-Community Partnerships , emphasizing culturally responsive practices. Dr. Ford’s research focuses on Early Childhood Assessment , Multi-disciplinary Teams , and Supporting Vulnerable Populations , including immigrants, refugees, and children with chronic health conditions like IBD. She leads the Children, Families, and Communities Lab , where students explore topics such as Cognitive Assessment , Family Engagement , and Community-level Child Development . Her recent publications analyze psychometric tools in diverse populations, assessment feedback communication, and community factors influencing child development. She has presented nationally and internationally on topics like Indigenous Family Engagement and School Belonging for Refugee Students . Dr. Ford has supervised over 75 graduate theses and collaborates with global institutions, including the University of Melbourne on the KIDS in Communities Study (KICS) . Current projects examine school belonging for immigrant/refugee families , supporting children with inflammatory bowel disease , and cross-national assessment norms . She advocates for collaborative approaches to address Early Childhood Mental Health and Multi-cultural Considerations in educational environments.
Professor Michael Tonkin is a leading academic in the Department of Surgery at the Northern Clinical School of the University of Sydney. He specializes in pediatric hand surgery, congenital anomalies of the upper limb, and reconstructive microsurgery. His work focuses on classification systems for congenital hand defects (e.g., OMT classification) and surgical outcomes for conditions like thumb hypoplasia, polydactyly, and syndactyly. Professor Tonkin holds clinical roles with associated phone (+61 2 9926 7778) and fax (+61 2 9926 6311) contacts. Research interests include embryology of congenital defects, surgical techniques for thumb reconstruction, and functional assessment of hand anomalies. His 2013 grant explored rheumatoid synoviocyte biology. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters since 2002 reflect his expertise in congenital anomaly management, tendon transfers, and pediatric surgical innovations. Key contributions include defining thumb opposition metrics, developing functional assessment scores for hypoplastic thumbs, and advancing pollicization techniques. He collaborates with international experts in hand surgery and has mentored multiple researchers evident through co-authorships.
Professor Gail S. Goodman, a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Davis, is a pioneering scholar in developmental psychology and psychology-law intersections. She directs the Center for Public Policy Research and has established foundational research in children's eyewitness memory and child victims' experiences in legal contexts. Ph.D., M.A., B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles Her research focuses on memory development and children's roles as witnesses, examining trauma-memory relationships, attachment influences, emotional regulation, and forensic interview techniques. Her work has informed legal policies and been cited in U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Key trends in her recent publications include trauma's impact on memory accuracy, false memory balancing, and courtroom dynamics for child witnesses. Her studies span developmental psychology, forensic science, and trauma recovery. 2017 APSAC Handbook chapter on child interview techniques 2017 American Psychologist review on trauma memory and counseling 2016 chapters on memory development and trauma psychopathology Professor Goodman has received numerous accolades, including APA's Urie Bronfenbrenner Award, APS's James McKeen Cattell Award, and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Oslo. She has also earned teaching and mentoring awards at UC Davis. As Director of UC Davis's Center for Public Policy Research, she consults with global agencies on child maltreatment policies and leads interdisciplinary teams studying memory, trauma, and legal systems. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications in law and child welfare.
Miriam Steele serves as the Alfred J. and Monette C. Marrow Professor of Psychology at The New School for Social Research and Co-Director of the Center for Attachment Research. Her career bridges psychoanalytic theory with empirical child development research, focusing on attachment transmission across generations and clinical interventions. Her educational background includes a PhD from University College London (1990) and training as an Anna Freud Center psychoanalyst. She is a member of the Adult Attachment Interview Trainers’ Consortium and has co-edited seminal works including the Handbook of Attachment-Based Interventions (2018). Dr. Steele's research centers on intergenerational attachment patterns, with pioneering work establishing 'reflective functioning' as a key mechanism. Her NIH-funded studies examine attachment-based interventions for vulnerable families, while current projects explore body representation transmission, impacts of smartphone use on parent-child relationships, and embodiment in adolescence. She extends this work through interdisciplinary courses like 'Psychology for Designers' that connect psychology with Parsons School of Design. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals sustained focus on longitudinal attachment studies from pregnancy through adolescence, adoption outcomes, and pandemic impacts on family dynamics. Her work increasingly integrates cross-cultural perspectives, as seen in studies of caste systems in India and global mental health frameworks. Notable awards include the 2017 Bowlby-Ainsworth Award from the Center for Mental Health Promotion, a $15,000 New School Research Cluster Award for 'The Body as Metaphor' (2013-2014), and a $900,000 MCH Research Program Award for 'Birth to Three' (2012-2015). As an educator, she teaches 'Child and Adolescent Global Mental Health' and mentors PhD/MA students through the Center for Attachment Research. Her grant portfolio demonstrates strong funding success in intervention development and longitudinal studies, with recent work securing support for digital media impact research. The Center for Attachment Research, co-directed with Howard Steele, operates as a multidisciplinary hub involving NSSR psychology students, Eugene Lang undergraduates, and international interns. Current initiatives include the Group Attachment-Based Intervention (GABI), Body Group studies examining physical disability impacts, and embodiment research in emerging adulthood.
Joy S. Kaufman is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. She serves as Deputy Chair for Career Development, Director of the Yale Consultation Center, and Director of YaleEVAL. Her work focuses on large-scale evaluations of health service delivery systems in under-resourced communities, emphasizing community-based participatory research and stakeholder training. Education: PhD in Clinical and Community Psychology, DePaul University (1994) Postdoctoral Fellow, Yale University (1993) MA in Psychology, DePaul University BA in Psychology, Assumption College Dr. Kaufman specializes in health equity , trauma exposure in children , and program evaluation . Her research bridges public health , social justice , and behavioral health policy through rigorous methodologies. Recent publications highlight her work on opioid use disorder in obstetric care , perinatal substance use reporting , and system-level mental health evaluations . She employs latent class analysis and CBPR frameworks to address disparities. Scientific Awards: Fellow, American Psychological Association Fellow, Society for Community Research and Action Gold Medal, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Exemplary Evaluation, American Evaluation Association As principal investigator, she has secured funding from the National Institute of Justice , PCORI , and Connecticut state agencies . Her leadership extends to training community members in evaluation methods and developing trauma-informed healthcare systems .
Dr Justine Howard is an Associate Professor in Education and Childhood Studies at Swansea University's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. She holds Chartered Psychologist status and is an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Her research focuses on developmental psychology, educational psychology, and the role of play in early childhood development. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, she teaches and supervises PhD students in education-related topics. Her work emphasizes play-based learning, therapeutic play, and inclusive education. Notable contributions include publications on play's developmental benefits, teacher perspectives, and the implementation of play curricula. She has presented globally on topics like play advocacy and child well-being in crisis contexts. Awards include recognition from the British Psychological Society. Current PhD supervision includes projects on social justice in Bangladesh, music education impacts, and therapeutic play in healthcare settings. Howard's research spans international collaborations and policy engagement, such as advising on Welsh educational initiatives.
Bridget Goosby is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Texas at Austin, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and serving as co-director of the LifeHD Health Disparities Research Lab with Dr. Jacob Cheadle. Her work bridges biosociology and health disparities research, focusing on how social marginalization and racism manifest in biological pathways affecting health outcomes. Education : Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University Contact : bgoosby@prc.utexas.edu Her research integrates biometric and mixed-methods approaches to examine: Dynamic biosocial pathways linking racism to health risks Sympathetic arousal responses in natural settings Epigenetic profiles associated with socioeconomic and racial disparities Recent projects include a Spencer Foundation-funded national study on Black women faculty's health and professional navigation. Prior research has been supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Scientific recognition includes lifetime membership in AAAS for her contributions to understanding discrimination's biosocial health impacts. Her work appears in journals like Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Annual Review of Sociology . She teaches undergraduate courses on Race, Ethnicity, and Health (UGS 302) across multiple semesters, emphasizing experiential learning through synchronous and asynchronous formats.
