Jennifer Somers is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Auburn University , directing the FLOWER Laboratory (Families: Leveraging Opportunities for Wellbeing and Resilience). Her research examines biobehavioral processes in parent-child interactions that influence depression and anxiety risks. Education: PhD in Clinical Psychology (Arizona State University, 2021) MA in Clinical Psychology (Arizona State University) BA in Psychology & English (Pomona College) Her work focuses on dyadic resilience , emotion regulation , and physiological synchrony in families. She has secured funding from NIMH, NSF, and private foundations. Recent publications analyze parent-child interactions , RSA synchrony , and transdiagnostic biomarkers spanning developmental psychology, clinical research, and behavioral science. Labs & Teams: FLOWER Lab investigates mechanisms to promote family resilience across the lifespan, integrating biological and environmental factors in mental health outcomes.
Christopher K. Marshburn is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Kentucky, where he directs the Broaching Race in Interpersonal, Dyadic, and Group Exchanges (BRIDGE) Lab. Affiliated with the Center for Equity and Social Justice, African American and Africana Studies programs, Marshburn served as Scholar-in-Residence for UK's Martin Luther King Center (2019-2020). His research examines inter- and intra-personal factors influencing how people understand, perpetuate, and cope with racism. Marshburn's program specifically investigates communication dynamics about racism in same-race (Black/Black) and cross-race (Black/non-Black) contexts, examining psychological outcomes for Black individuals. Complementary research explores how White individuals anticipate and prepare for discussions about racism with Black counterparts. He earned his Ph.D. in Social Psychology from University of California, Irvine (2016) where he was a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, following a B.A. in Psychology from Randolph-Macon College. His publication record demonstrates sustained focus on racial dynamics across multiple contexts: educational settings through studies of Black college students; workplaces via investigations of discrimination and employee well-being; and broader social systems through critical analyses of diversity initiatives and racial perception. Methodologically, Marshburn employs mixed methods including scale development, experimental designs, and qualitative approaches to examine racialized experiences.
Mathew Yarossi is an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University with a joint appointment in the College of Engineering (Electrical and Computer Engineering) and Bouvé College of Health Sciences (Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences). He holds a PhD from Rutgers University (2017) and joined Northeastern in 2022. Research Focus: His work bridges movement neuroscience, clinical research, and engineering, with emphasis on AI-driven solutions for rehabilitation. Key areas include physiological signal processing, neuromuscular control, and human-robot interaction. His NSF-funded project on dyadic object handover with robots highlights his interdisciplinary approach. Publications: Recent work explores VR-based interventions, EMG-driven prosthetics, and computational modeling of transcranial stimulation. His 2025 patent on virtual reality experiment design underscores his translational impact. Awards: Holds a patent for VR experiment systems (2025). Advising & Grants: Mentors students in PEAK Experiences programs and collaborates with the U.S. Army on AI applications in combat systems. His lab is part of the Institute for Experiential AI.
James C. Kaufman is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut. He holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from Yale University (2001). His research focuses on creativity, including assessment, meaning-making, social justice applications, and interdisciplinary domains. Notable contributions include the Four-C Model of Creativity and co-founding journals like Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts . He has authored over 50 books and 300 papers, including foundational works like Cambridge Handbook of Creativity . Education: Ph.D., Cognitive Psychology, Yale University, 2001. Research Interests: Creativity Assessment, Creativity and Meaning, Creativity & Social Equity, and Cross-Domain Creativity Applications. His work bridges psychological theory with practical educational strategies. Awards: Mensa Research Award, Torrance Award (NAGC), APA Berlyne & Farnsworth Awards, and leadership in APA Division 10. Advising & Collaborations: Advised students like K. Arrington and C. Connery. Active in mentoring through co-authored research. Collaborates globally on creativity measurement tools like the K-DOCS. Labs/Teams: Leads research teams at UConn focusing on creativity’s societal impact, including pandemic-related studies on creativity and well-being during crises.
Bryan S. Graham is a Professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley. He specializes in econometrics, focusing on network formation, social interactions, and panel data analysis. His research explores topics such as peer effects, poverty traps, and small sample properties of econometric methods. Graham holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University (2005) and has held visiting positions at Harvard, CEMFI (Spain), and NYU. He is an elected Fellow of the International Association of Applied Econometrics. Education highlights include a Rhodes Scholarship (1997–2000) at Oxford University, a Fulbright Scholarship (1997–1998) at the Australian National University, and a B.A. in Quantitative Economics from Tufts University (1993–1997). His work has been published in top journals like Econometrica and the Review of Economic Studies . Key awards include NSF grants (multiple), the Review of Economics Studies Tour, and the Daniel Ounjian Prize. Graham’s research has practical applications in policy analysis, particularly in education and social spillover effects. He also actively contributes to academic service, including editorial roles at Review of Economics and Statistics and Journal of Econometrics .
C. 'Chip' Raymond Knee is Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Psychology at the University of Houston, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. He is also the Director of the Self, Motivation, and Relationship Theories (SMaRT) Lab, where he leads research on close relationships and interpersonal motivation. His work integrates personality, developmental, and situational perspectives to understand optimal individual and relational health. Ph.D., University of Rochester B.S., Oregon State University Dr. Knee's research focuses on implicit theories of relationships (destiny vs. growth beliefs), self-determination in romantic relationships , and relationship-contingent self-esteem . He examines how autonomy, authenticity, and motivational orientation influence conflict resolution, support provision, and relational stability. His work is grounded in self-determination theory and attachment frameworks, exploring how internal beliefs shape relational behaviors and well-being. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on autonomy, need fulfillment, and interpersonal goals in romantic dyads. Articles published in top journals like Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin and Motivation and Emotion demonstrate trends in using dyadic models (e.g., APIM), testing mediation/moderation in stigma and self-compassion, and analyzing how ideals and beliefs predict relationship outcomes. Key themes include autonomy as a protective factor, the role of authenticity, and the impact of attachment and reward processing on relational health. Dr. Knee has mentored numerous Ph.D. students, many of whom are co-authors on his publications. His advising reflects a strong mentorship model focused on motivation, relationships, and well-being. While no specific grants are mentioned, his sustained publication record in high-impact journals suggests active research funding. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses including Human Motivation and Theories of Social Psychology. He leads the Self, Motivation, and Relationship Theories (SMaRT) Lab, which serves as the primary research hub for his investigations into romantic relationships, autonomy, and self-esteem dynamics. The lab fosters collaborative research among graduate students and faculty, emphasizing empirical rigor and theoretical integration.
Tarmo Lipping is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Oulu. His work bridges computing sciences with biomedical engineering, environmental modelling, and data-driven societal applications. Doctor of Science (Technology), Information Technology – Awarded 14 Feb 2001 Master of Science (Technology), Information Technology – Awarded 10 Sept 1993 His research focuses on electroencephalography (EEG) , mental workload assessment , depth of anesthesia monitoring , and machine learning applications in healthcare and human-computer interaction. He also contributes to environmental informatics , particularly in land uplift modelling and radionuclide transport , aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Recent publications highlight trends in transformer networks for EEG analysis , wearable HCI systems , data-driven food safety , and participatory municipal governance . His work integrates deep learning, signal processing, and real-world deployment. Scientific awards include: CIMO opettajavaihto (2017) Lipping has supervised numerous master’s students and served as an examiner in diverse topics including data vault modelling , telecom revenue estimation , and EEG hyperscanning . He has evaluated funding applications, acted as a journal reviewer (65 times), and contributed to editorial work. His activities reflect strong engagement in academic service and interdisciplinary research mentorship. He has contributed datasets on Fennoscandian land uplift , lake isolation , and archaeological shorelines to PANGAEA, supporting open science in geosciences and environmental history.
Prof. Dr. Tania Singer is the Scientific Head of the Social Neuroscience Lab at the Max Planck Society in Berlin. She holds a PhD in Psychology and has held professorial roles, including the inaugural Chair in Neuroeconomics at the University of Zurich. Her work bridges social neuroscience with economics, arts, and contemplative practices. Key projects include the ReSource Project (studying mental training effects) and Caring Economics (exploring economic models informed by psychology and neuroscience). She has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications and collaborates with institutions like the Mind and Life Institute. Recent initiatives include the Edu:Social School Project, applying socio-emotional training in education. Education: PhD in Psychology (Max Planck Institute for Human Development), Postdoc at UCL London Research Focus: Empathy, compassion, brain plasticity, and societal impacts of mental training Grants: European Research Council, Institute of New Economic Thinking Her research emphasizes translating findings into societal applications through programs like ReConnect! Masterclasses. She has organized high-profile conferences with the Dalai Lama and co-authored books such as Caring Economics and Power and Care . Art collaborations with Olafur Eliasson blend science with public outreach.
Professor Beata Zarzycka, affiliated with the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin , serves as a leading academic in the Department of Social Psychology and Psychology of Religion under the Faculty of Social Sciences . Her research bridges psychology and religious studies, focusing on spiritual well-being, religious coping, meaning-making processes, and mental health in Polish Catholic contexts. Over her career, she has explored faith transitions, therapeutic relationships, and the psychological impact of pandemics and chronic illness. Her publications span topics like deconversion in adolescence , religiosity and life satisfaction in seniors, and spiritual struggles in healthcare workers . She has validated key psychological scales (e.g., Religious Comfort and Strain) for Polish populations and investigated MMPI-2 and 16PF-5 in predicting religious vocation outcomes. Her work often employs mediation and moderation models to uncover complex psychological-spiritual dynamics. Recent studies include 2024 articles on parental attachment and adolescent deconversion, and 2023 work on religious support networks. She has received national honors like the Bronze Medal for Long Service and KEN Medal , reflecting her contributions to psychology and religious studies. Her peer-review activities for journals like International Journal for the Psychology of Religion and Roczniki Psychologiczne further highlight her academic leadership.
Rob Gleasure is a Professor in the Department of Digitalization at Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Denmark. His research focuses on the intersection of information systems, digital technologies, and human behavior, with particular expertise in blockchain technology, crowdfunding, AI applications, and technology adaptation. Based at Solbjerg Square 3 in Frederiksberg, he contributes to CBS's mission of advancing knowledge in business and society through digital transformation. Professor Gleasure's research spans several key areas within information systems and digital innovation: Digital finance and blockchain technologies, including cryptocurrency and financial applications Crowdfunding platforms and digital fundraising mechanisms Artificial intelligence applications in various domains including healthcare and banking Human-computer interaction and the psychological aspects of technology adoption Digital collaboration and the affective dimensions of online work Quantum computing infrastructure and emerging technologies His recent publications reveal an evolving research trajectory that increasingly addresses the societal implications of digital technologies. Gleasure has moved from foundational work on crowdfunding and blockchain to more complex examinations of AI ethics, gender bias in technological systems, and the psychological impacts of digital media. His research demonstrates growing attention to sustainable development goals, particularly those related to responsible consumption and production, reduced inequalities, and climate action. The interdisciplinary nature of his work bridges business, technology, and social sciences, often employing both qualitative and experimental methodologies. Professor Gleasure has served as a supervisor for numerous students (21 supervisor tasks mentioned) and has been active in academic service including co-chairing the ACM Collective Intelligence Conference in 2021. His research has attracted media attention, with contributions to discussions on cryptocurrency, carbon offsetting in aviation, and AI applications.
Katherine Thorson is an Assistant Professor at Barnard College , affiliated with the Department of Psychology . Her research focuses on interpersonal interactions , intergroup dynamics , and physiological responses in social contexts. B.A. in Psychology from Bates College M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology from New York University Thorson’s work explores how stereotype threat affects gender dynamics in STEM, physiological synchrony in romantic and professional settings, and methodological innovations in dyadic and longitudinal data analysis. Her research often bridges social psychology and health outcomes . Recent trends in her publications include studies on intellectual humility in guided conversations, physiological linkage in diverse contexts (e.g., doctor-patient interactions, group therapy), and mindfulness in social engagement. Society for Experimental Social Psychology Dissertation Award finalist Funded by the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues She applies dyadic data analysis and multilevel modeling to examine how social environments shape psychological experiences and physiological outcomes .
Steve Boker is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia, directing the Human Dynamics Laboratory and the LIFE Academy. His research focuses on quantitative psychology, structural equation modeling (SEM), and dynamical systems analysis for longitudinal and time series data. Dr. Boker has pioneered methods like Differential Structural Equation Modeling (dSEM) , Latent Differential Equations (LDE) , and the Windowed Cross-Correlation (WCC) method. He co-developed the widely used OpenMx SEM software framework and invented the RAMpath method for path diagram analysis. Key Research Areas: Dyadic conversation dynamics, adaptive systems in addiction, motion symmetry in social interactions, maternal-infant coupling, and resilience modeling through longitudinal data. Awards & Honors: 2024 Distinguished Researcher Award (UVA) 2020 Saul Sells Award for lifetime achievement in multivariate psychology Fellow, American Psychological Association Fellow, Association for Psychological Science His methodological contributions span over 150 publications, with recent work emphasizing nonlinear dynamics, surrogate data validation, and complexity metrics like the Tangle index for short time series analysis.
Karen Crawford is a Research Fellow at the School of Health & Wellbeing , University of Glasgow, and Deputy Director of the Centre for Developmental Adversity and Resilience (CeDAR). She manages the THRIVE trial and has previously worked in knowledge exchange and management consultancy. Education: MA (Hons) in Politics and Social Policy (University of Glasgow, 1997); PGDip in Local Economic Development (University of Glasgow). Research interests focus on parenting interventions, study recruitment & retention, mental health in vulnerable pregnant women, and outcomes for maltreated children in foster care. Her work spans clinical trials, economic evaluations, and process assessments. Recent publications (2025-2019) include trials on Infant Parent Support (IPS), BeST? Services, THRIVE, and foster care interventions, with keywords spanning Public Health , Clinical Trials , and Child Welfare . Grants include funding from the Department of Health and Social Care, What Works for Children's Social Care, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), and Chief Scientist Office for trials on foster care interventions, parenting programs, and psychosocial support.
Andrew M. Olney is Professor in both the Institute for Intelligent Systems and Department of Psychology at the University of Memphis. His work bridges artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and education, with a primary focus on natural language interfaces for learning. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Memphis (2006), an M.S. in Evolutionary and Adaptive Systems from the University of Sussex (2001), and a B.A. in Linguistics with Cognitive Science from University College London (1998). Dr. Olney's research centers on intelligent tutoring systems and natural language processing applications in education. His specific interests include vector space models, dialogue systems, unsupervised grammar induction, and computational representations of meaning. He has made significant contributions to conversational intelligent tutoring systems and task-oriented natural language interfaces, with particular emphasis on dyadic interaction and engagement in learning contexts. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on leveraging AI for educational enhancement, particularly through automated content creation, question generation, and adaptive learning systems. His work spans multiple disciplines including computer science, cognitive science, linguistics, and education, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary integration. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Best Paper Award, Proceedings of Empowering Education with LLMs (2023) Associate Editor, International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education (Impact Factor 4.9) Dr. Olney has been actively involved in mentoring graduate students and securing research funding. He has served as Principal Investigator on $6M of federal grants within a total of $18M in federal grant funding. His service includes former editorship of the Journal of Educational Data Mining (2017-2022) and former leadership roles as Director/Associate Director of the Institute for Intelligent Systems (2006-2017). He currently coordinates both the Cognitive Science Graduate Certificate and Undergraduate Minor in Cognitive Science at the University of Memphis. His BrainTrust project, funded by the NSF, addresses the knowledge engineering bottleneck for intelligent tutoring systems through innovative approaches to virtual student simulation and knowledge representation.
Dr. Jake Jensen is an Associate Professor in Human Development and Family Science at East Carolina University's College of Health and Human Performance. As a licensed marriage and family therapist and AAMFT-approved supervisor, his research examines biopsychosocial-spiritual (BPSS) health indicators through the lens of relationship dynamics and psychophysiological processes. Research Focus: Relationship work between romantic partners and social networks, LGBTQ+ health, integrated care outcomes, and psychophysiological responses in couples. Service: President-Elect of North Carolina Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, editorial board member for Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, and active manuscript reviewer for multiple journals. Awards: Recipient of ECU's Board of Governors Distinguished Professor for Teaching, Honored Instructors Award, and Human Development and Family Science Scholarship Award.
