Anthony Caterisano is a Professor of Health Sciences at Furman University, with over 35 years of academic and athletic leadership. He holds a Ph.D., M.A., and B.S. from The University of Connecticut, SUNY, and UNC Chapel Hill. His research focuses on exercise physiology, resistance training, and sports medicine, with notable publications in journals like Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise . Dr. Caterisano is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM) and has authored/co-authored books on football training and resistance techniques. He has served as wrestling coach at Furman, Spartanburg Methodist College, and currently coaches at Wade Hampton High School. As a competitive powerlifter, he has secured 16 South Carolina state titles, 10 national titles, and 10 world gold medals in masters-level competitions. His work bridges scientific research and practical application, with grants and presentations on topics like strength training methodologies and cardiovascular adaptations. Key contributions include studies on Tsunami Barbell training, metabolic responses to exercise, and core muscle engagement. His awards reflect both academic excellence and athletic achievement, while his grants and presentations underscore his commitment to advancing sports science.
Dr. Andrew Owusu is a Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP) within the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), serving as graduate program director for public health. His academic appointments include teaching Foundations in Health Education, Community and Public Health, Epidemiology, and Data Management in Public Health since joining MTSU. His educational credentials include: Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance, Middle Tennessee State University (2004) M.S. in Sports Administration and Management, Wayne State College (1998) B.S. in Biology, University of Alabama (1996) Dr. Owusu's research centers on adolescent health risk behaviors including bullying, sexual risk-taking, and substance use, with specialized expertise in school health policy implementation. His 15-year leadership (2007-2020) of Ghana's Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) and Global School Health Policies and Practices Survey (G-SHPPS) established critical surveillance systems for adolescent health behaviors through collaborations with WHO and CDC. His methodological innovations include classroom response systems for health education and childhood lead poisoning research. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on Ghanaian adolescent health through school-based surveillance, examining sexting, skin-lightening practices, violence victimization, and condom use barriers. His work demonstrates interdisciplinary integration of public health surveillance, policy analysis, and behavioral science to address global adolescent health challenges. Scientific recognition includes: MTSU President Recognition (2008) for significant international research/partnership Feature in 2006-2008 MTSU President’s Biennial Report (pg.11) Dr. Owusu has secured major international collaborations as Ghana's country coordinator for WHO/CDC school health initiatives (2007-2020), directing multi-institutional teams across MTSU, Ghana Education Service, WHO, and CDC. His mentorship extends through graduate program leadership and track coaching, developing 16 NCAA All-American athletes at MTSU while serving as Ghana's Olympic track coach for three consecutive games (2012-2020). The Ghana School-based Student Health Surveillance System (GSSHSS), established under his coordination, represents a sustained partnership model integrating academic research with national public health infrastructure, producing actionable data for school health policy development across Ghanaian educational institutions.
Melissa Coyle is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Marjon University. She specializes in sport and exercise psychology, focusing on applications in sport science, coaching, physical education, outdoor education, and health and well-being. Her qualifications include HCPC registration as a sport and exercise psychologist, BASES chartered scientist, and BASES-accredited sport scientist (Psychology), alongside a PGCert, MSc, and BSc. Her research explores psychological factors in high-stakes environments, including military training, cancer patient exercise programs, and aging populations. Notable studies include a qualitative evaluation of an 8-week exercise referral program for cancer patients and an investigation into psychological factors in Royal Artillery Army Commando training. She has also examined motivations and barriers to indoor bowls participation among over-65s and mental health transitions in university students. Dr. Coyle has been awarded grants for studies like 'Psychological factors in Army Commando training' and 'Exercise adherence for cancer recovery.' Her publications span journals like Psychology of Sport and Exercise and conferences such as the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. She actively contributes to professional bodies like HCPC and BASES. Her teaching emphasizes practical applications of psychology in sports and health, complemented by research-driven insights. Beyond academia, she is an avid golfer and hill walker.
Dr. Ray Bobrownicki is a Lecturer in Sport Psychology and Co-Programme Director of the BSc (Hons) Applied Sport Science at the University of Edinburgh's Moray House School of Education and Sport. He holds affiliations with the Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences (ISPEHS) and the Human Performance Science Research Group. As a chartered psychologist (BPS) and licensed athletics coach, his work bridges academic research and real-world sport practice. Educations: PhD (Sport Psychology and Coaching), University of Edinburgh MSc (Performance Psychology), University of Edinburgh AB (Psychology), Brown University PGCert (Academic Practice), University of the West of Scotland His research focuses on optimizing coaching instruction, motor learning, and performance under pressure. He explores how verbal instructions, analogies, and technology (e.g., VR) influence skill acquisition and athlete motivation. Secondary interests include the societal impacts of sporting policies on athlete welfare and identity. Recent work critiques traditional sport science methodologies and advocates for interdisciplinary, applied research. His publications span 2015–2025, emphasizing critical analysis of coaching practices, motor learning mechanisms, and systemic issues in sport. Key themes include instructional design, constraints-led approaches, and translational research validity. Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Chartered Psychologist (British Psychological Society) Associate Fellow (British Psychological Society) Teaching responsibilities include programme leadership for BSc Applied Sport Science and contributions to MSc Performance Psychology modules. He currently supervises PhD student Tongyu Liu on esports support taxonomies and welcomes inquiries on coaching instruction, performance psychology, and athlete policy impacts. Dr. Bobrownicki’s career integrates athletic experience (Commonwealth Games finalist, high jumper) with coaching expertise (e.g., mentoring record-breaking athletes) to inform evidence-based practice in sport science.
Holly J. Benjamin, MD is a distinguished sports medicine specialist at the University of Chicago, serving as the inaugural Director of the Primary Care Sports Medicine Program at UChicago Medicine Student Wellness Center. She holds leadership positions including Chair of the Committee on Sports Medicine & Fitness for the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and serves as Head Medical Team Physician for the WNBA Chicago Sky and medical officer for major events including the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, US Soccer, and USA Triathlon. Her educational background includes: B.S. in Integrated Life Sciences, Kent State University (1994) Combined BS/MD, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (1994) MD, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (1994) Residency in Pediatrics, The University of Chicago Children's Hospital (1997) Fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine, Lutheran General Hospital (1998) Dr. Benjamin specializes in sports medicine with particular expertise in youth, adolescent, and collegiate athletes. Her research spans acute and overuse sports injuries, concussion management, sport biomechanics, and musculoskeletal ultrasound. She has made significant contributions to understanding injury prevention strategies, safe return-to-play protocols, and the psychological aspects of sports injuries. Her work frequently addresses female athletes and elite/professional athletes, with emphasis on evidence-based approaches to optimize performance while minimizing injury risk. Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on concussion research, with multiple studies examining diagnostic approaches, recovery trajectories, and factors influencing outcomes. Her work spans biomechanics, mental health considerations in sports injuries, and innovative approaches to injury prevention across various athletic populations. Her scientific recognition includes: Election as Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (2003), becoming the second female pediatrician ever elected Election as Fellow of the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award from The New Aurora High School Alumni (1999) Invitation to serve as volunteer physician for the Olympic Training Center (2008) Multiple expert contributions to national media including Runner's World and the Naperville Sun Dr. Benjamin actively mentors through her coaching roles at high school and collegiate levels, emphasizing safe return-to-play post-injury and injury prevention. She has developed educational content through video productions for the American Academy of Pediatrics and serves as head team physician for the University of Chicago Lab School and the NCAA Division III UChicago Maroons. Notably, she is one of only a few sports medicine specialists in the country offering diagnostic and procedural musculoskeletal ultrasound in her office, demonstrating her commitment to advanced diagnostic capabilities for patient care.
Professor Paweł Chmura is a Full Professor at Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, specializing in Sports Sciences with a focus on football performance analysis. He serves in the Department of Individual and Team Sports, where he conducts research on exercise physiology, training load monitoring, and physical activity analysis in soccer players. With over 130 publications, Professor Chmura is a recognized expert in sports science and also holds a UEFA A coaching license. Professor Chmura's research interests center on exercise physiology, particularly in the context of team sports. His work extensively examines repeated maximum effort capabilities, physical activity analysis in soccer players, and monitoring training loads. He has developed innovative concepts such as the Psychomotor Fatigue Threshold and investigates how environmental factors like temperature and air quality affect athletic performance. His research bridges the gap between theoretical sports science and practical coaching applications, making significant contributions to football performance optimization. Professor Chmura's extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on soccer performance analysis, with recent work expanding into multidisciplinary approaches including physiological, psychological, and tactical aspects of the game. His research shows increasing sophistication in methodology, incorporating advanced monitoring technologies and comprehensive analysis frameworks that consider multiple performance indicators simultaneously. This evolution reflects broader trends in sports science toward integrated, holistic approaches to athlete performance. Professor Chmura actively supervises the Motosoccer Student Research Club and invites master's and doctoral students to collaborate on research projects related to football, exercise physiology, game analysis, and motor preparation. His mentorship extends beyond formal academic supervision to practical coaching guidance, leveraging his UEFA A coaching certification to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical field experience. As a UEFA A-licensed football coach and tennis instructor, Professor Chmura maintains strong connections between academic research and practical sports applications. He leads the Motosoccer Student Research Club, which provides hands-on research opportunities for students interested in sports science. His dual expertise in academic research and practical coaching creates a unique environment for applied sports science research that directly impacts coaching methodologies and athlete development.
Quanquan Liu is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Yale University. His research focuses on algorithms for large data, dynamic and distributed graph algorithms, parallel computing, differential privacy, and Byzantine-resilient systems. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from MIT's Theory Group and has held postdoctoral positions at Northwestern University and MIT. Education: PhD in Computer Science, MIT (Advisors: Erik Demaine and Julian Shun) MEng in Computer Science, MIT B.S. in Computer Science and Math, MIT (Advisor: David Karger) Research Interests: Theory and practice of algorithms for large-scale data, dynamic/distributed graph algorithms, parallel and high-performance computing, differential privacy, and Byzantine-resilient algorithms. Recent Highlights: His work includes practical differentially private graph algorithms, efficient parallel algorithms for graph problems, and fair course allocation mechanisms. Notably, he received the Best Paper Award at SPAA 2022 for parallel dynamic graph algorithms. Service: PC member for PPoPP, ESA, SPAA, and ALENEX Coach for USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) and Northwestern's ICPC team Current Group: Advising PhD students Felix Zhou and Pranay Mundra, and Master's student Jinghua Sun.
Tim Woodman is a Professor in Sport & Exercise at the School of Psychology and Sport Science , Bangor University. He is a leading expert in Performance Psychology , focusing on personality, stress, anxiety, and risk-taking in elite sports. His groundbreaking theory positions risk as central to human development and performance. Research Interests : Narcissism, anxiety-performance relationships, risk-taking behavior, athlete mental health, agentic emotion regulation. Scientific Contributions : Over 150 peer-reviewed publications, including 2025 studies on cricket mental health, coach support dynamics, and pressure training methodologies in elite sports. Projects : Leads the North West Air Ambulance performance psychology initiative and collaborates with Manchester City Football Club on personality-climate change research. Teaching & Supervision : Accepts PhD students interested in risk-taking, personality, and performance psychology topics.
Gavin Schwarz is a Professor and Head of School at the School of Management and Governance within the UNSW Business School . He specializes in organizational change , organizational failure and inertia , and the dynamics of virtual teams , with a focus on how organizations fail during change processes and how to develop applied strategies for change management . His work spans diverse sectors including healthcare, technology, and education, with publications in leading journals such as Academy of Management Learning and Education and Administrative Science Quarterly . Education : PhD in Management (University of Queensland), MPhil (Hons) in Management (University of Auckland), BA in Management and English (University of Auckland). Grants : 2020 Brock University grant for "University communication in times of COVID-19" , 2020 UNSW Medicine grant for "Translation and change: Embedding effective change management in health" , and earlier Australian Research Council and Gordon J. Samuels Fellowship awards. His research explores the development of knowledge in organizational theories , with an emphasis on collective responses to change , HR management during crises , and technology strategy . He has contributed to understanding organizational communication , team innovation , and structural inertia . His 15 most recent publications cover topics from AI’s role in organizational change to pandemic-driven research adaptation, with keywords spanning management science , behavioral economics , and digital transformation . Scientific Awards 2021-2023 : Outstanding Reviewer Awards (Academy of Management Review) 2017-2020 : Best Reviewer Awards (Journal of Organizational Behavior) 2019, 2013, 2011 : Best Paper Finalist/Awardee (Academy of Management divisions) 2007, 2006 : Editorial Board Excellence (Academy of Management Journal) and Gordon J. Samuels Fellowship As an active supervisor in organizational change and HR development , his work supports healthcare innovation and digital transformation. He serves as Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Applied Behavioral Science and is on the editorial boards of Academy of Management Review , Journal of Management , and Journal of Organizational Behavior . Contact: g.schwarz@unsw.edu.au
Professor Dan Zenkert is a faculty member at Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH) in the Department of MATERIAL AND STRUCTURAL MECHANICS. He earned his M.Sc. (Aeronautics) and Ph.D. (Lightweight Structures) from KTH, becoming a docent (D.Sc.) in 1996, associate professor in 1998, and full professor in 2001. His research focuses on multifunctional composite materials, particularly carbon fiber-based systems for energy storage (structural batteries), shape-morphing composites, integrated sensing, and energy harvesting. Collaborations with Electrochemistry and Polymer Chemistry groups drive innovations in structural batteries, where materials simultaneously bear mechanical loads and store energy. He teaches courses on lightweight structures and composite mechanics. Research highlights include structural battery design using laminated carbon fiber electrodes, piezo-electrochemical sensing via Li-ion intercalation, and shape-morphing composites through electrochemical actuation. Recent work explores electrolyte optimization, LiFePO₄-coated electrodes, and long-term performance of multifunctional systems. Publications span over 30 years, with contributions to journals like Composites Science and Technology and Advanced Energy & Sustainability Research . His teaching includes roles as examiner and course responsible for programs like Fibre Composites and Future Sustainable Aviation. Personal interests include fly-fishing, motorcycle riding, and basketball coaching. Scholarly contributions include over 130 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, with active involvement in conferences like ICCM and ECCM.
Dr. Conny H. Antoni serves as a Senior Research Professor in Work, Industrial, and Organizational Psychology at the Department of ABO Psychology, University of Trier. Their research focuses on digital collaboration, team dynamics, and psychosocial risk management in modern work environments.
Prof. Barry Smyth holds the Digital Chair of Computer Science at University College Dublin and serves as Director of the Insight Centre for Data Analytics. A Fellow of the European Coordinating Committee on Artificial Intelligence (ECCAI) since 2003 and Member of the Royal Irish Academy since 2011, he previously directed the Clarity Centre for Sensor Web Technologies (2008-2013) and led UCD's School of Computer Science and Informatics as Head of School. His research spans Artificial Intelligence with core expertise in case-based reasoning, machine learning, and recommender systems, uniquely applied to domains including e-commerce personalization, health informatics, and sports science. Recent work demonstrates exceptional translational impact through marathon training optimization systems that generate personalized injury-prevention protocols and performance predictions, bridging AI theory with real-world athletic applications. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary AI applications: 60% focus on sports science (particularly marathon running), 25% on privacy-enhanced recommender systems, and 15% on financial time-series analysis. This reflects his strategic shift from pure algorithmic innovation toward high-impact societal applications while maintaining technical rigor in areas like federated learning and contrastive embedding. Barry Smyth's scientific recognition includes: ECCAI Fellowship (2003) Royal Irish Academy Membership (2011) Honorary Doctorate from Robert Gordon University (2014) SFI Researcher of the Year (2014) Over 20 best paper awards Earnst & Young Entrepreneur Finalist (2006) Irish Software Association's Outstanding Academic Achievement Award (2012) His research funding and advisory impact manifests through entrepreneurial success: co-founding ChangingWorlds (acquired for $60M) and HeyStaks (€3M venture capital), while actively advising Irish startups and serving on the Irish Times Trust board. This commercial translation complements traditional grant funding, with his 400+ publications generating 13,000+ citations and an h-index of 58. Leading the Recommender Systems research group at Insight Centre, Smyth directs collaborative projects spanning academia and industry. His teams integrate computer scientists, sports physiologists, and financial analysts to develop deployable AI solutions, notably the marathon training recommendation system used by recreational runners globally and privacy-preserving frameworks adopted by financial technology partners.
Dr Mark Quinn serves as Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for BSc Sports Science and MSc Performance Analysis within the School of Health & Society at University of Salford. He leads modules including Advanced Performance Analysis and contributes to Biomechanics, Research Methods, and Applied Human Performance courses while supervising PhD candidates in sports science domains. His educational background includes a BSc (Hons) from Loughborough University (2007-2010) followed by a PhD from University of Central Lancashire (2013-2020) titled Athlete Monitoring in Rugby League: a focus on the conceptualisation, implementation and utilisation of a wellness questionnaire , which developed the Successful Implementation Framework for wellness questionnaires in high-performance sport. Quinn's research centers on performance analysis across multiple sports, with recent publications examining lacrosse officiating demands for the 2028 Olympics, goal-scoring movement patterns in professional soccer, and multidirectional speed training monitoring. His work consistently applies time-motion analysis to quantify physical demands across rugby league, Gaelic football, and lacrosse variants, emphasizing practical applications for athlete monitoring and performance optimization. As an applied practitioner, Quinn contributed to Wigan Warriors Rugby League's trophy-winning campaigns including Challenge Cup (2011, 2013), Super League Grand Final (2013, 2016), and World Club Challenge (2017). He previously served as Assistant Coach for England Wheelchair Rugby League, bridging his academic expertise with elite performance environments. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals for healthy lives and reduced inequality, conducted through the Centre for Human Movement and Rehabilitation where he investigates athlete self-report measures, training load monitoring, and wellness questionnaire implementation across diverse sporting contexts.
Desmond McEwan is an Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Education. His research focuses on sport and exercise psychology, particularly teamwork, group dynamics, and human thriving in high-performance teams. His research interests include Sport Psychology, Teamwork, Group Dynamics, High-Performance Teams, and Human Thriving. He examines how team cohesion, psychological safety, and resilience contribute to individual and team success in sport settings. His work often involves both elite and youth athletes, with applications in coaching and performance support. Recent publications (2023-2025) show a strong trend in exploring psychological safety, team resilience, and human thriving in sport. His work spans systematic reviews, longitudinal studies, and qualitative investigations, often focusing on interventions to improve teamwork and well-being. Key themes include the role of social support, leadership, and identity in team functioning. McEwan advises graduate students, including Stef Atkinson who completed a Master of Arts in Kinesiology on trust in the coach-athlete relationship. He is open to collaborations on clusters and grants. He directs the Sport and Performance Psychology Lab at UBC, which conducts research on team dynamics and thriving in sport.
Paul Mellick serves as Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Health and Exercise Science department at the Morrison Family College of Health, University of St. Thomas, following seven years as a clinical faculty member at Winston-Salem State University during doctoral studies. His academic credentials include: Bachelor of Arts (2005) in Exercise Physiology from College of St. Scholastica Master of Arts (2006) in Exercise Physiology from College of St. Scholastica PhD in Kinesiology from University of North Carolina at Greensboro Research focuses on metabolic and hormonal regulation during high-intensity exercise, with practical applications derived from clinical facility research and elite athlete collaborations. His strength coaching background bridges theoretical exercise science with real-world athletic training methodologies.
