Ricardo Filipe da Silva Pocinho is an academic researcher affiliated with the Higher School of Education and Social Sciences (ESECS) at the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Portugal. He joined the faculty in March 2022 and holds the role of Assessor in the Regional Health Administration of the Center (ARS Centro). His primary research focuses on educational evaluation , social competence development , and pedagogical innovation , with emphasis on school-based interventions and socioemotional learning programs. He has supervised five doctoral students and published extensively on topics including family involvement in education, pandemic impacts on teaching, and workplace happiness initiatives. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, combining educational psychology with social work methodologies. Recent publications highlight projects like the 'Smiling Team' workplace well-being program and evaluations of educational interventions for youth transitioning from residential care. He collaborates closely with institutions like the University of Coimbra and has presented at major conferences such as TEEM20 and the International Conference on Childhood and Adolescence. Key contributions include designing programs to promote socioemotional competencies in schools and analyzing social policies during pandemics. His research emphasizes practical applications, evidenced by projects like the 'Third Age Universities' study in Portugal and Brazil, and pedagogical innovations in technical director training.
Jingwen Zhang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Davis. Her work focuses on health communication, social influence, and innovative online interventions. She holds a Ph.D. from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, with previous degrees from Zhejiang University and Clemson University. Her research explores digital health interventions, medical misinformation, and global health communication. Education Ph.D., Communication, University of Pennsylvania (2016) M.A., Communication, University of Pennsylvania (2013) M.A., English, Clemson University (2011) B.A., Media and International Culture, Zhejiang University (2009) Research Interests Zhang’s work bridges health promotion and technology, emphasizing: AI-driven chatbots for behavior change (e.g., sleep health, physical activity) Social media’s role in vaccine hesitancy and misinformation Cross-cultural health communication strategies Online networks for public health interventions Recent Article Trends Her recent work highlights: AI chatbots in health promotion targeting marginalized groups Fact-checking strategies and public engagement Cultural dynamics of vaccine hesitancy Media effects on health behavior during crises Awards Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Students Abroad (2016) Russell Ackoff Doctoral Student Fellowship (2015) Annenberg National Health Communication Study Grant (2013) Teaching & Engagement Zhang teaches courses on persuasion theories and health communication. Her work with UNICEF informs global health communication strategies. She actively designs interventions addressing HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and pandemic response.
Heather A. Jones, Ph.D., serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology within Virginia Commonwealth University's College of Humanities and Sciences, holding joint appointments with the Department of African American Studies, Department of Pediatrics, and Institute for Women's Health. As a licensed clinical psychologist in Virginia, she maintains an active research program focused on reducing mental health disparities through culturally responsive interventions. Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Maryland at College Park (2006) Dr. Jones' research centers on three interconnected pillars: Black children and families' mental health, maternal mental health across the perinatal spectrum, and training culturally competent clinical psychologists. Her work specifically examines ADHD manifestations in Black youth, impacts of racial discrimination on adolescent mental health, and integration of behavioral health services within primary care settings. She employs mixed-methods approaches to address systemic barriers in mental healthcare access for underserved communities. Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications reveals consistent emphasis on health equity through studies of cultural competence in cancer survivorship, ADHD treatment representation gaps, and digital interventions for perinatal depression. Her methodological approaches span latent class analyses of service utilization, content analyses of historical research biases, and clinical trials of integrated care models, all contextualized within structural determinants of health. Dr. Jones has received significant recognition for her contributions: VCU College of Humanities and Sciences Distinguished Teaching Award (2023) VCU Department of Psychology Outstanding Mentoring Award (2023) Elizabeth Fries Young Investigator Award (2016) Clinical and Translational Research Award (2016) She actively mentors students, particularly supporting Black graduate trainees in pediatric psychology as evidenced by numerous student co-authorships. As Principal Investigator, she directs the $1.4M HRSA-funded Primary Care Psychology Training Collaborative providing pro bono services to urban Richmond and rural Virginia communities, recently expanded through an additional $1.1M grant serving Latinx immigrants and refugees. Her federally funded work consistently bridges research, clinical service, and community engagement. Dr. Jones co-directs the Families and Mental Health Research Lab and Primary Care Psychology Training Collaborative, leading interdisciplinary teams comprising psychology graduate students, pediatric residents, and community health workers. These initiatives operate within VCU's integrated primary care clinics, focusing on implementation science to scale evidence-based practices for underserved populations while training the next generation of healthcare providers.
Roxane de la Sablonnière is a Full Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Montreal, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. She directs the CSI—Laboratory on Social Change and Identity and is a member of the CÉCD—Centre for the Study of Democratic Citizenship and the CIRCA—Interdisciplinary Research Centre on the Brain and Learning. Her research focuses on social change, cultural identities, intercultural relations, and the psychological impacts of crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. She has advised over 20 graduate students and led numerous research projects funded by agencies such as the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Education & Research Focus : Her work examines how rapid societal changes affect individuals, particularly in contexts of immigration, policy shifts (e.g., multiculturalism, secularism), and Indigenous communities. Recent studies include longitudinal analyses of pandemic-related behaviors, identity integration processes, and the role of cognitive strategies in managing conflicting identities. Grants & Collaborations : She leads projects like "S'engager pour mieux aller!" (FRQS-funded) and contributes to strategic networks such as the Centre pour l'Étude de la Citoyenneté Démocratique (CÉCD). Her research integrates psychology with sociology, leveraging mixed methods (e.g., text mining, longitudinal tracking) to address societal challenges. Labs & Teams : As CSI director, she oversees projects on social change dynamics and identity reconstruction. Her work bridges academic and applied domains, influencing policy debates on integration, public health, and community resilience.
Dr. Shushu Chen is an Associate Professor in Sport Policy and Management at the University of Birmingham's School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, and also serves as a Visiting Professor at the Capital University of Physical Education & Sports in China, demonstrating her strong international academic presence. Education: PhD in Sport Policy and Management, Loughborough University (Centre for Olympic Studies & Research) MSc in Sport Management, Loughborough University BSc in Bioengineering Her research expertise lies in sport policy analysis and evaluation, particularly the legacy and societal impact of major sporting events such as the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games. She investigates how these events influence social inclusion, urban development, and public policy, with a strong focus on both the UK and Chinese contexts. Her methodological strengths include realist evaluation and meta-evaluation, applied to complex policy environments. Dr. Chen’s recent work centers on high-impact projects related to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, analyzing their legacies for disadvantaged communities and policy development. Her publications span top journals like the Journal of Sport Management and Sport Management Review , covering themes such as event leveraging, volunteering, policy development in China, and Olympic education. Her research consistently bridges academic rigor with practical policy relevance. Scientific Awards: British Academy Innovation Fellow Dr. Chen actively contributes to the academic community as an editorial board member for journals including Event Management , International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics , and Sport in Society . She supervises PhD students on topics such as women in sport in China, social integration through sport, and mental health. She has secured significant research grants from the British Academy, ESRC, World Anti-Doping Agency, and China National Social Science Foundation. Her work has been featured in major media outlets including the BBC, Financial Times, and The Guardian, highlighting her public engagement and policy influence. She is currently an Academic Advisor to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and a Discipline Expert for Sport Management Digest. Her prior role as a member of the United Nations Expert Group on Inclusive Social Development further underscores her global impact in shaping inclusive sport policy.
Helen Quirk is a Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield's School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), funded by the NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR) as a Post-Doctoral Launching Fellow from April 2020 to August 2023. Her work focuses on understanding and promoting physical activity while addressing health inequalities, particularly among vulnerable populations. Her research interests center on physical activity promotion, health inequalities, community-based physical activity initiatives, mental health and physical activity connections, and qualitative research methods. She has developed expertise in understanding the barriers and benefits of physical activity, especially for populations facing significant challenges to maintaining active lifestyles. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on community-based physical activity initiatives, particularly parkrun, as a vehicle for addressing health inequalities. Her work examines how these initiatives impact mental wellbeing, social inclusion, and physical health outcomes, with special attention to underrepresented groups including people with mental health conditions and those living in socioeconomically deprived areas. Scientific Awards: NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR) Post Doctoral Launching Fellowship (2020-2023) Helen's research is characterized by strong partnerships with community organizations like parkrun, allowing for real-world application of findings. She has been involved in numerous large-scale surveys and qualitative studies that have informed both academic understanding and practical implementation of physical activity initiatives. Her approach emphasizes understanding people's lived experiences through qualitative methods while also engaging with quantitative data to capture broader trends. Her work extends beyond traditional academic outputs, with active engagement in knowledge mobilization through blogs, webinars, and community presentations. She serves as Vice Chair of the parkrun Research Board, demonstrating her commitment to bridging research and practice in community physical activity initiatives.
Professor Heiko Spallek is Head of School and Dean at the University of Sydney’s Sydney Dental School, leading the school’s integration with the Faculty of Medicine and Health. He also serves as Academic Lead for Digital Health and Health Service Informatics at the faculty level. His research focuses on advancing dental informatics, teledentistry, and evidence-based practice, while advocating for improved oral health policy and public health initiatives. He holds roles including director at Community Connections Australia and membership in the Charles Perkins Centre. Education: DMD, Dr. med. dent., MSBA(CIS), FACD, FAIDH Leadership: Oversees Sydney Dental School’s academic and clinical programs, emphasizing interprofessional education and digital health innovation. Research interests include leveraging big data and machine learning in dentistry, improving access to oral healthcare through teledentistry, and addressing systemic issues in dental education and policy. He has led projects on laser dentistry applications, dental caries prevention, and healthcare workforce regulation. Notable contributions include the OpenWide conference series, the BigMouth dental data repository, and advocacy for equitable dental funding in Australia. Grants include initiatives on oral hygiene in aged care and analysis of healthcare advertising perceptions. Media engagements highlight his role in public discourse on dental access and policy, including commentary on Australia’s dental crisis and aged care reforms. He actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through platforms like the Dental Informatics Online Community. Labs/Teams: Directs the Sydney Dental School’s research programs in informatics and public health, collaborating with national and international networks such as the National Dental PBRN.
Hang Lu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication and Media at the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He specializes in science, health, environmental, and risk communication (ComSHER), with a focus on media psychology. His research explores audience responses to media messages about sensitive topics and strategies to enhance message effectiveness. Lu holds a Ph.D. in Communication from Cornell University (2018), along with advanced degrees from Cornell, Marquette University, and Central South University in China. He directs the Media and Risk (MaR) Lab and previously served as a postdoctoral fellow at the Annenberg Public Policy Center. His research spans four main areas: 1) emotion dynamics in media responses, 2) predictors of information behaviors, 3) media effects on stigmatization, and 4) AI applications in sensitive domains. He has published in journals like Journal of Communication , Risk Analysis , and Public Understanding of Science , earning multiple top paper awards. As Vice Chair of the Environmental Communication Division at the International Communication Association, Lu contributes to interdisciplinary dialogue. His work addresses critical societal issues such as climate change communication, vaccination hesitancy, and emerging technology ethics.
Professor Luke Prendergast is the Deputy Dean of the School of Computing, Engineering & Mathematical Sciences (SCEMS) at La Trobe University (LTU) and holds a Professorship in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. He previously served as Head of Department (2014–2020) and led LTU's Statistics Consulting Platform. His research focuses on robust statistics, meta-analysis, dimension reduction, and applied statistics, leading the DRAMA research group. Collaborations span fields like endocrinology, disability studies, and respiratory health. He actively contributes to research grants, including projects on Prader-Willi syndrome and exercise for disability populations. Professor Prendergast's recent work emphasizes statistical software development (e.g., the rquest package) and applications in biostatistics, such as metabolomics analysis and health intervention fidelity. His articles address topics like quantile-based hypothesis testing, geospatial accessibility for disability care, and motivational interviewing efficacy. Professional roles include NHMRC grant review panels, editorial boards for Nutrients and Respirology , and leadership in the Statistical Society of Australia (SSA Vic). His teaching includes courses in meta-analysis, linear models, and data-based critical thinking. Grants funded projects on exercise programs for cerebral palsy populations and community-university partnerships for disability inclusion. Luke's work bridges statistical theory with real-world health challenges, emphasizing robust methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Emmanuel Stamatakis is a Professor of Physical Activity, Lifestyle, and Population Health at the University of Sydney's School of Health Sciences (Faculty of Medicine and Health). He holds NHMRC Leadership Fellowships (2021-2025 and 2026-2030) and leads the Charles Perkins Centre's Physical Activity & Exercise Theme. His research focuses on lifestyle behaviors' impacts on cardiometabolic conditions, cancer, and cardiovascular health, using large-scale cohort studies and wearable device data. Key roles include directing the Mackenzie Wearables Research Hub and co-chairing WHO's Physical Activity Guidelines Development Group. Education: PhD from University of Bristol (2003), post-doctoral training at University College London. He leads the ProPASS consortium, involving 45 cohorts with wearable data. Over 460 peer-reviewed publications, including Clarivate's Highly Cited list since 2019. Research interests integrate physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep analytics with clinical outcomes. Current projects explore wearables-based measurement innovations, SPAN (sleep-physical activity-nutrition) synergies, and intervention designs for GLP-1 receptor agonist users. Recent articles emphasize VILPA (vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity) benefits, sleep-cardiovascular links, and multimodal lifestyle optimization. Awards include Australia's Top Researcher in Sports Medicine and multiple NHMRC grants. Supervises PhD projects on physical activity measurement and intervention design. Active in 50+ peer-reviewed journals and national/international funding bodies.
Gerald Pruckner is a Professor at the Department of Economics, Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU), where he serves as Head of the Institute of Health Economics and Dean of the Kurt Rothschild School of Economics and Statistics (RoSES). His academic career spans over three decades with significant leadership roles including heading the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Aging, Health, and the Labor Market (2014-2021), and serving on the board of the Austrian Health Economics Association (ATHEA). He teaches multiple courses including Introductory Microeconomics, Empirical Economics, and Health Economics for the 2025W semester. Pruckner earned his PhD in Economics from the University of Linz in 1993. His academic journey began as an Assistant Professor at JKU (1989-2002), followed by a Professorship at the University of Innsbruck (2002-2006), then returning to JKU as Associate Professor (2006-2010) before his current Professorship (since 2011). He has held visiting positions at the University of Adelaide and UC Berkeley. His research focuses at the intersection of health economics, behavioral economics, and aging, examining healthcare systems, physician behavior, and the relationship between labor markets and health outcomes. Recent work investigates hospital crowding effects, gender differences in medical practice, chronic disease screening effectiveness, and child health services. His research consistently applies economic principles to understand healthcare delivery with emphasis on the Austrian context, often utilizing register data for evidence-based policy insights. Analysis of Pruckner's publication trends shows a sustained focus on practical healthcare issues with policy relevance. His work spans hospital management challenges, gender differences in medical practice, chronic disease screening effectiveness, and child health services. The research consistently bridges academic inquiry with practical health policy applications, with increasing attention to pandemic impacts and digital transformation in healthcare. Board member of Austrian Health Economics Association (ATHEA) since 2015 Member of Health Economics Committee (Verein für Socialpolitik) since 2013 Deputy head of national research network 'The Austrian Center for Labor Economics and the Analysis of the Welfare State' (2008-2013) Head of Christian Doppler Laboratory for Aging, Health, and the Labor Market (2014-2021) Pruckner actively mentors graduate students through dissertation colloquia and master's thesis supervision. His research portfolio includes 23 projects with significant funding, including current work on health services research in Upper Austria and empirical analysis of Linz healthcare provision. As Dean of RoSES and Head of the Health Economics Institute, he provides institutional leadership while maintaining an active research agenda with over 100 publications. He leads multiple research teams focused on health services research, with current projects examining healthcare provision in Linz, health indicators for the region, and broader health system analysis. His work bridges academic research and practical health policy applications through collaborations with regional health authorities and participation in professional associations.
Dr. Vikas Srivastava is an Associate Professor of Engineering and Director of the Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering at Brown University's School of Engineering. His research focuses on solid mechanics, continuum biomechanics, and cell mechanics, with applications in materials under extreme environments and biomedical science. He leads the Srivastava Lab for Solid Mechanics and Biomechanics, which integrates computational models with experimental techniques to address interdisciplinary challenges. Dr. Srivastava holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT (2010) and previously held senior roles at ExxonMobil, including leadership in materials mechanics and deepwater drilling engineering. His academic career at Brown began in 2018, during which he has directed over 15 graduate students and secured notable funding. His research interests span mechanobiology, hydrogel-based drug delivery systems, AI-driven predictive modeling, and biomaterial innovations for cancer therapies. He has pioneered physics-informed neural networks for material characterization and developed novel hydrogels to enhance chemotherapy efficacy. Recent articles highlight advancements in polymer fracture modeling, machine learning for non-destructive evaluation, and predictive epidemiological modeling for pandemics. Dr. Srivastava has received the Dean’s Award in Bioengineering and was promoted to tenured Associate Professor in 2023. He actively mentors students through grants like the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and leads initiatives in biomedical technology translation. The Srivastava Lab collaborates extensively across engineering, biology, and medicine to advance translational research in materials science and clinical applications.
Karen Panetta is a Professor at Tufts University School of Engineering with appointments in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Academic Services. She currently serves as Dean of Graduate Education for the School of Engineering and holds the title of Distinguished Professor. Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Northeastern University M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Northeastern University B.S. in Computer Engineering, Boston University Dr. Panetta's research focuses on developing efficient algorithms for simulation, modeling, and signal and image processing for security and biomedical applications. Her work brings together artificial intelligence, machine learning, and visual sensing systems to create solutions for robot vision and biomedical imaging. She develops algorithms inspired by the human visual system to enable machines to 'see' like humans, with applications in homeland security, biomedicine, facial recognition, and search and rescue operations. Her research has significant humanitarian applications, addressing global challenges facing women and children. Dr. Panetta has received numerous prestigious awards including induction into the National Academy of Engineering (2023), the Presidential Award for Science and Engineering Education and Mentoring (2011), and the IEEE Award for Distinguished Ethical Practices (2013). She is a fellow of multiple prestigious academies including the National Academy of Inventors, European Academy of Sciences and the Arts, and IEEE. Member, National Academy of Engineering (2023) Presidential Award for Science and Engineering Education and Mentoring (2011) IEEE Award for Distinguished Ethical Practices (2013) Fellow, National Academy of Inventors Fellow, European Academy of Sciences and the Arts Fellow, Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association As an educator and mentor, Dr. Panetta founded the nationally acclaimed Nerd Girls program to promote engineering to young students, particularly women. She previously served as worldwide director for IEEE Women in Engineering and editor-in-chief of the IEEE Women in Engineering magazine. Her approach to graduate education emphasizes the importance of building strong collaborative relationships between faculty and students, with a focus on proactive communication and documentation of research progress. Dr. Panetta's humanitarian research applies engineering solutions to global challenges, including developing technology to help doctors find cancerous tumors, security screeners find concealed weapons, and law enforcement agencies find criminals and missing children. Her work demonstrates a commitment to 'Doing The Right Thing' by addressing issues affecting populations with limited resources or 'voice' in society.
Mark W. Newman is an Associate Professor in the School of Information at the University of Michigan, with a joint appointment in the EECS Department. His research focuses on human-computer interaction, ubiquitous computing, and health informatics, emphasizing the design of technologies that integrate seamlessly into everyday life. He teaches courses on user experience research, programming, and application development, contributing to curriculum design efforts such as the User Experience Design track and programming curricula for undergraduate and graduate programs. His work spans smart home technologies, mobile health interventions, and collaborative health management systems. Notably, he collaborates across disciplines to address challenges in healthcare technology, including patient-generated data integration and sustainable energy solutions. Newman actively mentors students and leads design projects that prioritize user-centered approaches, such as the UX Research & Design Specialization on Coursera. His recent scholarship explores adaptive mHealth interventions, context-aware systems, and participatory design methods to enhance health equity.
Aida Maria de Oliveira Cruz Mendes is a distinguished academic and researcher at the Coimbra School of Nursing, where she has maintained a continuous appointment since 1987. With over three decades of academic service, she has established herself as a leading expert in nursing science with particular specialization in mental health, occupational health, and sleep quality among healthcare professionals. She currently serves on the Scientific Council for Life and Health Sciences at the Foundation for Science and Technology, demonstrating her significant contribution to Portuguese scientific policy. Education background: PhD from University of Minho (1996-2000) Master's in Occupational Health and Hygiene from University of Coimbra Medical School (1992-1995) License in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing (1990-1991) Bachelor's degree in Nursing (1977-1980) Multiple specialized certifications in psycho-oncology, cognitive therapy, and qualitative research Dr. Mendes' research program demonstrates remarkable consistency in addressing critical issues in nursing practice and healthcare delivery. Her work spans mental health services evaluation, occupational health challenges faced by nursing staff, sleep quality determinants in healthcare settings, and innovative programs for healthy aging and retirement transition. She has developed expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, with numerous systematic reviews and intervention studies to her credit. Her research bridges clinical practice with health promotion initiatives, creating tangible impacts on nursing education and healthcare policy. Analysis of her recent publication trajectory reveals a sophisticated evolution in research focus. While maintaining consistent attention to nursing staff wellbeing (particularly regarding sleep quality and stress biomarkers), she has expanded into developing and evaluating health promotion programs, most notably the REATIVA program for retirement transition. Her work increasingly incorporates international collaborations and demonstrates methodological sophistication, with publications appearing in multiple languages (Portuguese, English, and Spanish) across diverse healthcare contexts. Research funding highlights: Active Retirement: study of a healthy ageing promotor program (2013-2015) funded by Foundation for Science and Technology Mental Health Education and Sensibilization: A School-based Intervention Program for Adolescents and Young (2011-2014) funded by Foundation for Science and Technology Dr. Mendes has supervised numerous graduate students and collaborated extensively with international research teams, particularly in European nursing education contexts. Her work on nurse professional competence assessment among newly graduated nurses demonstrates her commitment to advancing nursing education standards. She maintains active research partnerships with institutions across Portugal and internationally, contributing to both clinical practice improvements and healthcare policy development.
