Dr. Abby Haynes is a Research Fellow at the Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, affiliated with the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health and Faculty of Medicine and Health. Her work focuses on physical activity for healthy ageing and people with disability, employing qualitative research, systems thinking, and realist evaluation. Key research themes include: Healthy Ageing Disability and Physical Activity Implementation Science Knowledge Mobilisation Her recent publications analyze: Inclusive sports programs for children with disability Fall prevention in acute hospitals Telehealth physiotherapy for aged care Realist evaluations of yoga and dance interventions Systems thinking in public health policy These emphasize public health, gerontology, and health equity approaches. Grants include MRFF-funded projects on traumatic brain injury rehabilitation (2024), fall prevention (2023), and aged care mobility (2022).
Charles Walter is an Assistant Professor of Computer and Information Science at the University of Mississippi, joining in Fall 2019. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from The University of Tulsa (2018), with prior degrees from the same institution (M.Sc 2016; B.S. 2014). His research focuses on Mobile and Wearable Security, Adversarial Machine Learning, Privacy, Malware Analysis, Fog Computing, and Self-Adaptive Systems. He leads the SPARC Lab, exploring cutting-edge topics like data privacy, malware detection, and security in fog computing environments. Education: B.S. Computer Science, University of Tulsa (2014) M.Sc Computer Science, University of Tulsa (2016) Ph.D. Computer Science, University of Tulsa (2018) Research Interests: His work addresses critical challenges in cybersecurity, including securing low-power wearable devices through fog computing architectures, developing adversarial machine learning defenses, and investigating human factors in code trustworthiness. Recent projects include studying privacy threats in diffusion models and creating frameworks for robust stability estimation in AI systems. Lab Activities: The SPARC Lab actively researches topics such as adversarial ML attacks, privacy-preserving video processing, and adaptive system security. Collaborative efforts focus on real-world applications like improving university transportation systems through smart bike rental programs.
Matthew Lee Smith is a Professor at the Texas A&M School of Public Health , part of Texas A&M University . He is a core faculty member of the Center for Community Health and Aging (CCHA) and the Center for Health Equity and Evaluation Research (CHEER) , and serves as the Director of the Texas Research, Analytics, Innovations, and Research Lab (TRAIL) . Education: Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Health Science Center, Texas A&M University (2010) PhD in Health Education, Texas A&M University (2008) MPH, Indiana University Bloomington (2004) BS in Public Health Education, Indiana University Bloomington (2002) Research Interests: Dr. Smith’s research focuses on aging , chronic disease management , and evidence-based public health interventions . He is particularly interested in health behavior change , health risk assessment , and survey research methodology . His translational work bridges research and practice across healthcare, aging services, and public health systems. He has a strong focus on social determinants of health , including social isolation , caregiving , diabetes self-management , and fall prevention among older adults. His work often targets underserved populations, particularly Black/African American men and rural communities . Scientific Awards: Immunization Neighborhood Champion Award (2024) Responsible Research in Management Award (2023) J. Mayhew Derryberry Award (2022) Consumer Education Program Award (Silver) (2022) Bluebonnet Award (2021) Innovators in Aging Award (2019) Redefining American Healthcare Award (2019) Community ConnecTivity Award (2019) Phillip G. Weiler Award for Leadership in Aging and Public Health (2018) Leadership & Mentorship: Dr. Smith holds leadership roles in several national and state-level initiatives. He is the Co-Director of the Advancing Gerontology through Exceptional Scholarship (AGES) Program and serves on the Steering Committees of the Texas Falls Prevention Coalition , Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium , and Texas Social Isolation and Loneliness Coalition . He is also the Director of the Research Scholars & Mentorship Program (RSMP) at the American Academy of Health Behavior. Labs & Centers: He leads the Texas Research, Analytics, Innovations, and Research Lab (TRAIL) , which focuses on developing and evaluating community-based interventions. He is also affiliated with: Center for Community Health and Aging (CCHA) Center for Health Equity and Evaluation Research (CHEER)
Ka I Ip is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Child Development , University of Minnesota. As director of the D.A.N.C.E. Lab , Dr. Ip employs multimodal methods including neuroimaging, cortisol assays, and cross-cultural experiments to study emotion regulation and developmental psychopathology. PhD in Developmental Psychology (University of Michigan) Susan Nolen-Hoeksema Postdoctoral Fellow (Yale University) Research focuses on how cultural contexts and early adversity shape emotional development, with particular attention to racial-ethnic minorities and immigrant families . His work applies findings to social policy reform and health equity initiatives. Recent publications analyze neighborhood socioeconomic impacts on brain development , discrimination effects in bilingual adolescents , and cortisol dynamics in immigrant families . Key journals include Biological Psychiatry and Developmental Psychology . APA Editor’s Choice Article (2024) Yale Health Equity Research Finalist (2022) Accepting PhD students for Fall 2026. Collaborates with teams in neuroimaging , cross-cultural research , and pediatric biomarker studies .
Prof. Dr. Eling de Bruin is a Lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on developing and evaluating exergame-based interventions targeting neurocognitive disorders, motor-cognitive training for aging populations, and stroke rehabilitation. He leads studies on personalized exergame protocols (e.g., PEMOCS framework) and their impact on cognitive function, gait recovery, and fall prevention. His work integrates wearable sensor technology, biofeedback systems, and clinical assessment tools to improve outcomes for chronic conditions like stroke, diabetes, and sarcopenia. Key areas include exergame design, hybrid training modalities, and biomarker validation (e.g., heart rate variability for neurocognitive screening). His research also explores sports biomechanics in youth athletes and injury prevention strategies for alpine skiers. Collaborative projects involve interdisciplinary teams from rehabilitation medicine, biomedical engineering, and computer science to create user-centered exergame solutions. Current initiatives emphasize home-based interventions and tele-rehabilitation to enhance accessibility for older adults and long-term care residents. Methodological contributions include validation of motor-cognitive assessment systems using virtual reality and inertial measurement units.
Ana Maria Velez is an Associate Professor at the Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research focuses on insect responses to chemical stressors, particularly RNA interference (RNAi) and Bt toxins for pest management. With a 80% research and 20% teaching appointment, she leads the Insect Toxicology Lab and teaches courses like 'Toxins in the Environment' and 'Insecticide Toxicology.' Education: Ph.D. in Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2013 M.S. in Entomology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2009 B.S. in Biology, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia, 2006 Her research spans molecular, organismal, and population levels to evaluate transgenic crops and RNAi technologies. Key areas include resistance mechanisms, non-target effects, and risk assessment frameworks. She has extensive publications on western corn rootworm and fall armyworm, emphasizing sustainable pest control. Her work also addresses sublethal impacts on non-target species like monarch butterflies and honeybees. Recent articles highlight RNAi delivery optimization, Bt resistance dynamics, and ecological impacts of insecticides. Her lab collaborates on patents for RNAi-based pest suppression methods targeting chromatin remodeling and developmental genes. Scientific Awards Distinguished Multicultural Alumni (2019) DuPont Young Professor Award (2016) International Congress of Entomology Travel Awards (2016) Widaman Trust Distinguished Graduate Assistant (2011) Milton E. Mohr Teaching Fellowship (2012) The Vélez Arango Lab investigates durability and safety of insect control technologies, with emphasis on RNAi and Bt crops. Their work informs integrated pest management (IPM) systems and regulatory frameworks.
Stephen Cobb is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His research focuses on ankle and foot mechanics during gait, particularly in relation to lower extremity injuries and rehabilitation. PhD in Sport Science, Georgia State University, 2005 MS in Sports Medicine, Georgia State University, 1999 BA in Sports Medicine, Messiah College, 1994 Cobb investigates pathoetiological factors and abnormal gait mechanics linked to foot and ankle pathologies such as plantar heel pain, chronic instability, and foot pain in older adults. His work aims to identify modifiable factors for injury prevention and treatment. Key publication trends include aging, injury rehabilitation, and kinematic analysis in clinical and sports contexts. Selected articles examine fall risk, running injury mechanics, and foot modeling. KIN 220 - Anatomical Kinesiology KIN 320 - Biomechanics KIN 520 - Introduction to Biomechanics Research KIN 590 - Biomechanics of Aging KIN 720 - Advanced Biomechanics Research Stephen Cobb leads the Neuromechanics Lab, advancing research on mobility and rehabilitation. No specific awards or advisees are detailed in the provided text.
Dr. Mark Thompson is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Researcher of Sport Psychology at London Metropolitan University's School of Social Sciences and Professions. He holds a PhD from the University of Hull and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). His academic work bridges sport psychology, healthcare rehabilitation, and youth athlete development. Dr. Thompson's education includes a PhD in Psychology from the University of Hull. His research focuses on emotional processes in elite athletes, doping propensity in youth sports, and post-COVID-19 patient rehabilitation. Notable projects include NHS-funded studies on telerehabilitation and collaborations with the International Olympic Committee and World Anti-Doping Agency. Research Interests: Psychophysiological responses to stress in sports Emotional regulation strategies among athletes Anti-doping education and youth athlete behavior Telehealth applications in post-hospitalization recovery His publications emphasize qualitative methodologies, exploring topics like athlete performance under stress, doping prevention programs, and healthcare professional perspectives on self-management approaches. Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Dr. Thompson has delivered presentations at major conferences such as the American College of Sports Medicine and contributed to media discussions on doping in elite sport via LoveSport Radio. His teaching spans foundational psychology to advanced modules like cognition and behavior, often serving as module leader.
Philip Zelazo is the Nancy M. and John E. Lindahl Professor at the University of Minnesota's Institute of Child Development, where he investigates the development and neural bases of executive function. Previously, he held the Canada Research Chair in Developmental Neuroscience at the University of Toronto. His educational background includes: Honors BA from McGill University (1988) PhD with distinction from Yale University (1993) Zelazo's research centers on executive function—the conscious control of thought, action, and emotion—with emphasis on cognitive complexity, consciousness development through thalamo-cortical circuits, and the distinction between "cool" (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex-associated) and "hot" (orbitofrontal cortex-associated) aspects. His methodologies span experimental, cross-cultural, and electrophysiological (EEG/ERP) approaches, integrating theoretical frameworks like the Cognitive Complexity & Control theory and Levels of Consciousness model. Analysis of his 2017-2024 publications reveals consistent focus on executive function development across childhood, mindfulness-based interventions, socioeconomic impacts on cognitive development, and translational applications for education and mental health. His work increasingly addresses real-world implementation through NIH Toolbox measures and school readiness programs. His major recognitions include: Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA) Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science (APS) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow of the Mind and Life Institute Boyd McCandless Young Scientist Award (APA, 1996) Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award 2025 Award for Distinguished Contributions to Developmental Psychology (APA) Zelazo actively mentors doctoral students (open to new advisees in fall 2026) and leads significant grant initiatives, including development of the NIH Toolbox Executive Function measures and NIH Infant and Toddler Toolbox "Cognition and Executive Function" assessments. His interventions target EF promotion in high-risk populations, such as preschoolers experiencing homelessness. He directs the Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, which examines neural mechanisms of executive function using EEG/ERP and behavioral paradigms, with recent projects on mindfulness training effects and socioeconomic adversity impacts.
Dr. Amy Damashek serves as Professor in the Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses while mentoring Clinical Psychology doctoral students. She chairs the department's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and maintains an active research program focused on vulnerable populations. Education: Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Missouri-Columbia (2007) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2009) Research Focus: Her work centers on preventing child maltreatment and unintentional injuries among at-risk youth, with specialized expertise in infant sleep-related deaths and health disparities . She develops culturally responsive parenting interventions for low-income and Spanish-speaking families, emphasizing community-based solutions through home visiting programs. Publication Trends: Recent work (2020-2023) demonstrates consistent focus on pandemic adaptation of family services, safe sleep practices in marginalized communities, and digital intervention strategies. Her mixed-methods approach bridges clinical psychology with public health, prioritizing implementation in real-world settings. Scientific Recognition: Fellow of the American Psychological Association Former President of APA Division 37 (Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice) Grants & Mentoring: Secured federal funding for child injury prevention in underserved communities. Mentors Clinical Psychology doctoral students with emphasis on culturally competent practice, accepting new graduate students for Fall 2025. Her federally funded work directly informs evidence-based home visiting protocols. Research Ecosystem: Collaborates extensively with community health workers, home visiting agencies, and pediatric care providers to implement and evaluate interventions addressing structural barriers in family support systems.
Dr. Alex Black is an Associate Professor in the School of Optometry & Vision Science at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Faculty of Health. He serves as Course Coordinator for the Master of Optometry program and leads the Vision and Everyday Function research group within QUT's Centre for Vision and Eye Research. His expertise spans vision science, ageing-related vision decline, falls prevention, and driving safety. Dr. Black holds dual qualifications: a PhD in Vision Science (QUT, 2010) and a Masters of Public Health (University of Queensland, 2012). Teaching roles: Coordinates OP85 Master of Optometry program Research focus: Vision impairment impacts on mobility, driving safety, and academic performance Awards: FAAO (Fellow of American Academy of Optometry), FHEA (Fellow of Higher Education Academy) Research highlights include AUD $3.2 million in grants, over 100 publications, and contributions to international journals like Clinical & Experimental Optometry . His work bridges clinical practice and research, addressing real-world issues through innovative studies such as night-time pedestrian safety clothing design and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) usability for older adults. Key collaborations include NHMRC-funded projects on injury prevention and Vision and Driving research laboratory studies. Dr. Black also serves editorial roles for Clinical & Experimental Optometry and peer review activities.
Sunil K. Agrawal is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine at Columbia University, where he directs a highly interdisciplinary rehabilitation robotics program bridging the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the College of Physicians and Surgeons. His research focuses on developing robotic systems to restore and enhance human mobility for individuals with neurological disorders, pediatric conditions, and age-related decline. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 1990 MS in Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University, 1986 BS in Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, 1984 Research Focus: Dr. Agrawal’s work centers on rehabilitation robotics , where he integrates dynamic systems, control theory, and optimization to create robotic devices that assist in gait training, balance improvement, and functional movement restoration. His studies span stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, vestibular disorders, and spinal cord injury, using devices like the Tethered Pelvic Assist Device (TPAD) and robotic exoskeletons. Scientific Honors: Machine Design Award, ASME (2016) Robotics and Mechanisms Award, ASME (2016) Fellow, American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) (2016) Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) (2004) Alexander von Humboldt Foundation U.S. Senior Scientist Award (2007) Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award (2002) Presidential Faculty Fellow Award, The White House (1994) Research Collaborations & Funding: Dr. Agrawal collaborates with faculty across Neurology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Pediatric Orthopedics, Otolaryngology, Geriatrics, and Psychiatry. His work is supported by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and the Spinal Cord Injury Research Board. Laboratory & Outreach: He leads an active research group focused on translational robotic systems, with ongoing clinical trials for stroke, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy, and elderly fall prevention. His lab develops novel robotic braces, exoskeletons, and VR-integrated training platforms.
Sarah L. Szanton is the Dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and holds the Patricia M. Davidson Professorship for Health Equity and Social Justice. She also maintains a joint appointment in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Under her leadership, the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is ranked No. 1 nationally by U.S. News & World Report for its master's and doctor of nursing practice programs. Dr. Szanton earned her BA in African American Studies from Harvard University in 1988, followed by a BSN from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. She completed her MSN at the University of Maryland in 1998 before returning to Johns Hopkins for her PhD in Nursing Science. Dr. Szanton's research focuses on health equity, aging in community, and the social determinants of health. She is particularly known for her work on the CAPABLE program (Community Aging in Place—Advancing Better Living for Elders), which addresses environmental challenges faced by older adults through a combination of nursing, occupational therapy, and handyworker services. Her research also examines the impact of financial strain on health outcomes and the measurement of structural racism and resilience across the life course. Dr. Szanton's extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on improving health outcomes for low-income older adults through community-based interventions. Her work bridges clinical practice, policy, and environmental modifications to address health disparities. A recurring theme in her research is the intersection of socioeconomic factors with health outcomes in aging populations, particularly how financial constraints and structural racism impact health and disability. Dr. Szanton has received numerous prestigious awards including: Election to the National Academy of Medicine (2021) Heinz Foundation Human Condition Award (2019) Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame (2019) Edgerunner Award from the American Academy of Nursing (2017) Top 50 "Influencers in Aging" by Next Avenue (2016) As a researcher, Dr. Szanton has been Principal Investigator on more than $20 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Center, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She has mentored numerous doctoral students and established programs like the Pathway to PhD Nursing Scholars Program to accelerate diversity within PhD-prepared nurses. As Dean, she launched the Policy Honors Program to develop student advocacy skills in health policy. Dr. Szanton is core faculty at the Center on Aging and Health and Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions. She co-developed the CAPABLE program, which is now active in 23 states, and directs the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing's Center for Innovative Care in Aging. Her work through the Hopkins Housing & Health Collaborative and the Center for Equity in Aging focuses on translating research into practical interventions that help older adults age in their communities.
David Gilkey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Safety, Health and Industrial Hygiene at Montana Technological University in Butte, MT. He holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Southern California Health Sciences University and a Ph.D. in occupational and environmental health from Colorado State University. Dr. Gilkey is a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS/RS), with additional certifications in walkway safety assessment. His research encompasses: Slip/trip/fall prevention through surface friction evaluation Safety climate in construction and mining industries Ergonomic risk assessment in healthcare and manufacturing Agricultural safety focused on ATV/UTV operation Environmental health and biological site safety Occupational stress and burnout biomarkers His recent publications demonstrate strong focus on practical safety solutions in healthcare ergonomics (patient transfers, burnout), industrial settings (noise exposure, material handling), and foundational slip/fall research. Earlier work established his expertise in agricultural ATV safety through injury epidemiology and prevention strategies. Dr. Gilkey teaches courses including OSH 391 (Slips, Trips and Falls), OSH 454 (Ergonomics), IH 542 (Principles of Epidemiology), and advanced industrial hygiene topics. He actively advises undergraduate and graduate students on academics, internships, and career development. As Montana's Health Links Ambassador, he promotes Total Worker Health® programs through the Colorado School of Public Health, helping employers develop Certified Healthy Workplace initiatives that integrate safety and wellness.
Dr. Kelley Gabriel is a Professor and Associate Dean in the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), with a primary appointment in the Department of Epidemiology. She holds additional roles as a Senior Scientist in multiple UAB research centers, including the Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC) and the Integrative Center for Aging Research. Her research focuses on optimizing physical activity and sedentary behavior measurement in large epidemiological studies, with a particular emphasis on cardiorespiratory fitness, chronic disease prevention, and life-course health trajectories. Dr. Gabriel earned her PhD in Public Health (Epidemiology) from the University of Pittsburgh, an MS in Exercise Physiology from Northeastern University, and a BS in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine from Ithaca College. Her research interests include developing methodological strategies for precise physical activity measurement, examining the timing of physical fitness and disease risk, and leveraging cohort studies like CARDIA and SWAN. She has secured grants from NIH, NHLBI, and other agencies to support studies on the 24-hour movement paradigm, cognitive health, and cardiovascular outcomes. Key collaborations involve large-scale epidemiological cohorts such as the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Her over 200 peer-reviewed publications and four book chapters reflect expertise in physical activity epidemiology and translational research. Grants include NIH-funded projects on cognitive resilience to Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular health trajectories, and the role of activity patterns in aging populations. Her work emphasizes translational strategies to improve public health through evidence-based lifestyle interventions. Dr. Gabriel leads multidisciplinary teams at UAB, contributing to initiatives like the Osteoporosis in Men (MrOS) Study and the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study. Her research integrates wearable technologies, biomarker analysis, and advanced statistical methods to address global health challenges related to physical activity and chronic disease.
