Assoc. Prof. Tatyana Yordanova is affiliated with the National Academy of Sports in Bulgaria, where she serves in the Faculty of Sports and Department of Technical and Ice Sports . She holds the academic rank of Associate Professor and has been leading the department since 2024. Education: Master's from State Central Institute of Physical Culture (1987); Doctorate in Sports Science (2019) Languages: English, Italian, Russian Her research focuses on technical elements in figure skating , speed-power abilities , balance stability , and judging systems . She has extensively studied jump mechanics and anthropometric factors in skaters. Her publications from 2018-2024 include studies on judging systems, jump techniques, and sports management. Key themes in her work involve training methodology, competition analytics, and biomechanics of skating. Since 2002, she has worked as an international figure skating judge, including at the Sochi 2014 Olympics . She chaired the Bulgarian Skating Federation (2011-2023) and participated in projects like Erasmus+ mobility (2022, 2024). Her pedagogical career includes roles as scientific assistant (1988), senior assistant (2006), and associate professor (2023).
Florian 'Floyd' Mueller is a Professor of Future Interfaces at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, where he directs the award-winning Exertion Games Lab within the Department of Human-Centred Computing (ranked among the top 20 HCI departments globally). Previously, he held positions at RMIT University, Stanford, University of Melbourne, Microsoft Research, MIT Media Lab, Fuji-Xerox Palo Alto Labs, Xerox Parc, and Australia's CSIRO. Mueller is a member of the prestigious ACM SIGCHI Academy, an honorary group recognizing leaders who have made substantial contributions to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Professor Mueller's research focuses on the intersections between technology, the human body, and play. He originated the concept of "Exertion Interface," arguing that we should not just design "easy-to-use" interactions when "hard-to-use" interactions can also be beneficial. His work spans movement-based interactions, whole-body interfaces, uncomfortable interactions, somaesthetics, and exertion games. Mueller's research methodology often employs research through design, design ethnography, and autoethnography to explore these novel interaction paradigms, incorporating mixed-reality, augmented reality, virtual reality, electronic muscle stimulation, biosensors, wearables, and drones. His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on bodily interactions and human-computer integration, with particular emphasis on emerging subfields like WaterHCI and SportsHCI, brain-computer interfaces, and gustosonic (taste and sound) experiences. Mueller's work has evolved from foundational exertion game concepts to more sophisticated explorations of human-computer integration where technology becomes seamlessly woven into the fabric of human experience. Professor Mueller's contributions have been widely recognized with numerous awards including: Inaugural honouree of the Australian Design Centre's Design Honours Tall Poppy award for "intellectual and scientific excellence" 10 "Best Paper Honorable Mentions" (top 5%) from premier HCI conferences 2 "Best Paper" awards (top 1%) at CHI PLAY and CHI Shortlisted for the European Innovation Games Award (alongside Nintendo's WiiFit) Nokia Mindtrek Ubimedia Award Mueller has successfully secured some of Australia's largest and most competitive research grants, achieving a remarkable 14% success rate on Australian Research Council Discovery Project applications. He has served as General co-Chair for CHI PLAY'18 and CHI'20, becoming the first Australian-based researcher to spearhead HCI's highest-ranked publication outlet, and is currently General co-Chair for CHI'24. He is Associate Editor for tier A journals including Elsevier's IJHCS (International Journal of Human-Computer Studies) and ACM's IMWUT (Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies). As director of the Exertion Games Lab, Mueller leads a research team whose innovations have been experienced by over 20,000 users across 3 continents and featured on the BBC, ABC, Discovery Science Channel, and Wired magazine. The lab has produced groundbreaking work in bodily interfaces, co-founding the CHI PLAY conference series and establishing new research directions in SportsHCI and WaterHCI through recent "Grand Challenges" papers. Mueller's lab continues to push boundaries with projects exploring brain-to-brain interfaces, lucid dreaming induction, and novel gustosonic experiences.
Janelle Joseph, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Sciences and Sport Management at Brock University, Ontario. She is the Founder and Director of the IDEAS Research Lab, focusing on Indigeneity, Diaspora, Equity, and Anti-racism in Sport. Her work bridges Black Studies, Health Sciences, and Sport Management to address systemic barriers in movement cultures. Dr. Joseph has secured over $4 million in research grants and authored over 50 publications and three books on social justice in sport. Key Research Themes: Racial justice, decolonial praxis, and structural barriers in sport and health Awards: 2023 Canada’s Top 100 Black Women, Royal Society of Canada membership Professional Roles: Past President of the Black Canadian Studies Association, Co-Editor of the Globalizing Sport Studies series Her research emphasizes community-based methodologies and has influenced policy reforms in sport governance and EDI frameworks. The IDEAS Lab actively supports graduate students and early-career researchers through embodied decolonial praxis.
Dr. Polly Smith is a research-focused academic affiliated with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Reading, within the School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences. She has been actively publishing since 2007, with a strong emphasis on data assimilation techniques applied to environmental and geophysical systems. Her research interests center on data assimilation , parameter estimation , and model predictability in complex dynamical systems. These include sea-ice models, fluvial inundation forecasting, morphodynamic modeling of coastal systems, and strongly coupled atmosphere-ocean models. Her work combines advanced numerical methods with real-world environmental data to improve forecasting accuracy and model reliability. The recent publications show a trend toward interdisciplinary applications, integrating satellite remote sensing, image-based monitoring, and hybrid variational-ensemble data assimilation methods. Her work spans climate science, hydrology, and coastal engineering, demonstrating a consistent focus on improving predictive capabilities in Earth system modeling. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Dr. Smith has collaborated extensively with leading researchers such as Sarah L. Dance, Nancy K. Nichols, and Andrew S. Lawless. While no formal students or advising roles are listed, her frequent first-author status and technical reports suggest a leadership role in research projects. There is no mention of specific grants, but her work aligns with major environmental modeling initiatives. She has contributed to both peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, including the International Conference on Coastal Engineering. Dr. Smith's research is supported by the computational and mathematical infrastructure at the University of Reading. Her work is part of a larger effort in environmental prediction, likely involving collaborations within the university’s meteorology and climate research groups. While no dedicated lab is named, her research falls within the scope of data-driven environmental modeling teams at Reading.
Dr. Ellen Geminiani is an Attending Physician at Boston Children's Hospital's Sports Medicine Division and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School. She serves as Chair of the Sports Science & Medicine Committee for US Figure Skating and Medical Director/Club MD at The Skating Club of Boston. With clinical expertise in figure skating injuries, dance medicine, and general musculoskeletal trauma, she provides care across multiple locations including Boston, Waltham, and Lexington. Wheaton College (Undergraduate) Albany Medical College (Medical School) Harrisburg Hospital (Family Practice Residency) Harrisburg Hospital (Sports Medicine Fellowship) Her research focuses on sports medicine with emphasis on figure skating injury patterns, dancer health, and concussion recovery dynamics. Key publications examine hallux sesamoid injuries in athletes, dual-task gait analysis post-concussion, and sport specialization impact on musculoskeletal development. Specializing in pediatric sports medicine, her clinical work integrates dance medicine and figure skating injury prevention. While no explicit awards are listed, her leadership roles with US Figure Skating and Boston Ballet affiliation demonstrate professional recognition. She works closely with Boston Children's Hospital's multidisciplinary team including orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and mental health specialists in the Sports Medicine Division.
Charles D. Rosen, M.D. is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, where he practices and teaches spinal surgery. He is also actively involved in medical ethics, serving as President of the Association for Medical Ethics, an organization he co-founded to combat industry influence in medicine. His research spans spinal biomechanics, surgical outcomes, and ethical challenges in orthopaedics. Dr. Rosen has published extensively on artificial disc replacement failures, spinal fusion, and the ethical implications of physician-industry relationships. His recent publications reflect a dual focus: advancing the biomechanical understanding of spinal motion and advocating for ethical transparency in medical practice. Articles from 2010–2018 emphasize informed consent, conflicts of interest, and complications of spinal procedures such as rhBMP-2 use and heterotopic ossification. U.S. Surgeon General short list for nomination by Obama administration in December 2008 Albert M. Betcher Scholarship Award for Fellowship Study in Orthopaedic Surgery Robert Hamburger Memorial Thesis Award - Runner-up for Senior Medical School Thesis Gold Medal in Figure Skating (Ice Dancing) Dr. Rosen has advised on ethical policy and testified before the Senate Special Committee on Aging. He mentors medical students and residents at UCI and volunteers weekly at the Long Beach VA. His work integrates clinical excellence with a strong commitment to patient safety and ethical integrity. He is associated with research teams focusing on spinal biomechanics and outcomes, and leads initiatives through the Association for Medical Ethics to promote unbiased research and education in spine care.
Julian Schaap is an Assistant Professor of Sociology of Music at the Department of Arts and Culture Studies, Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication, Erasmus University Rotterdam. His research lies at the intersection of cultural sociology, cognitive sociology, and the sociology of stratification, with a focus on popular music, inequality, and well-being. Education PhD in Sociology, Erasmus University Rotterdam (defended cum laude, October 2019) Research Interests Julian Schaap investigates how music preferences and practices reflect and reproduce social inequalities based on race, gender, and class. His work critically examines the racialization of music genres, particularly the dominance of whiteness in rock music, and how cultural consumption shapes identity and social belonging. He also explores the role of music in mental and social well-being, especially in times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. His methodological approach combines qualitative and quantitative techniques, including implicit association testing and cross-national comparative analysis. Recent Research Trends His recent publications reveal a strong thematic focus on the racial and gendered dimensions of music consumption, the cognitive mechanisms underlying cultural taste, and the social functions of music in digital and pandemic contexts. There is a clear trajectory from his dissertation on whiteness in rock music toward broader inquiries into music, identity, and well-being, often in collaborative projects with colleagues such as Pauwke Berkers and Merel Berghman. Scientific Awards Praemium Erasmianum Dissertation Prize 2020 Erasmus University Research Award 2020 EGSH Best Thesis Award 2019 KNAW Science Communication Grant (Main Applicant) 2021 New Scientist Wetenschapstalent 2021 Advising and Grants While no formal advisees are listed, Julian Schaap has secured competitive research funding from major Dutch and international bodies, including NWO, Fulbright, and the Erasmus Trustfonds. He is the main applicant on a KNAW Science Communication Grant, highlighting his commitment to public engagement. He also co-organized the educational minor Mu$ic: The economy, sociology and practice of popular music , indicating leadership in curriculum development and interdisciplinary collaboration. Labs and Research Groups Julian is affiliated with the Rotterdam Popular Music Studies research group and collaborates with the Music as Medicine research group at Erasmus Medical Center. He co-organizes the Music Talks symposia series, fostering dialogue between academia and artistic practice.
Nieves Acedo is a Researcher at the Institute of Culture and Society (ICS) at the University of Navarra, where she serves as Director of the Master's Program in Curatorial Studies at the University Museum of Navarra. She is also a collaborating professor in the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters at the University of Navarra and a member of the 'Vínculos, Creatividad y Cultura' research group. Her academic background includes a doctorate from Universidad CEU San Pablo with a thesis on 'El pintor William Congdon (1912-1998) estudio histórico crítico del periodo de la bassa milanesa (1979-1998)' supervised by Dr. María Antonia Labrada. She has established herself as a leading scholar on the American painter William Congdon, particularly his later period in Milan. Nieves Acedo's research spans Art Theory, Light Art, and Curatorial Studies and Practice, with a consistent exploration of philosophical dimensions of art reception, the relationship between contemporary art and truth, and the reinterpretation of cultural heritage through museum practices. Her work demonstrates a unique interdisciplinary approach that bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in museum settings, examining how cultural institutions can creatively reinterpret heritage through performance and other contemporary practices. Her publications from 2023-2025 reveal a growing focus on museum studies and the intersection of performance art with heritage interpretation, particularly through her analysis of the 'Soliloquios' choreography at the University Museum of Navarra and her editorial work on Antonio Ruz's 'Transmutación.' 2025: 'The Museo Universidad de Navarra and the Reinterpretation of Heritage' examines intermedia translation in museum contexts 2024: 'The photography of José Gómez de la Carrera' explores visual representation of Cuban territorial identity 2023: 'Transmutación, Antonio Ruz' documents creative processes in contemporary dance Nieves Acedo has held significant leadership roles, including her current position as Director of the Master's Program in Curatorial Studies at the University Museum of Navarra. Between 2020 and 2023, she served in another directorial capacity, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to academic leadership. Her research connects academic theory with practical museum curation, reflecting her dual role as both scholar and practitioner in the field of contemporary art and museum studies.
Dr. Krista Chandler is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Windsor's Faculty of Human Kinetics. Her research focuses on psychological aspects of sport and exercise, particularly the intersection of mental health and physical activity. She leads the UWorkItOut UWin program, a campus initiative funded by grants like the Bell Let’s Talk Post-Secondary Fund, which uses exercise to improve mental health among university students. Her work also extends to para-athlete psychological support, imagery-based interventions, and athlete leadership development. Key research areas include psychological resilience in athletes, the efficacy of online mental skills training programs, and the role of imagery in sports performance. She has been recognized with the 2022 OHREA Mental Health Champion Award for her contributions to mental health initiatives. Chandler collaborates closely with the Sport Psychology and Physical Activity Research Collaborative, mentoring graduate students in areas like dance imagery, esports anxiety management, and team cohesion. Her publications span topics from mental health interventions to athlete leadership behaviors, reflecting a commitment to bridging research and practice. Grants and funding have supported her work in creating accessible programs for diverse populations, including youth athletes and individuals with disabilities.
Liu Yuping is a Lecturer at the Department of Civil Engineering, School of Civil Engineering and Water Resources, Shandong University, where she has taught since 2003. Her academic expertise focuses on concrete durability under extreme environmental conditions and structural stability analysis of high-rise buildings. She holds a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering from Shandong University and has 15+ years of experience in civil engineering research. PhD (Geotechnical Engineering, Shandong University, 2008-2012) Master (Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Chang'an University, 2000-2003) Bachelor (Industrial and Civil Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, 1995-1999) Her research explores concrete damage mechanisms under environmental stressors like freeze-thaw cycles , seawater corrosion , and ice loads . She specializes in vibration response analysis of tall structures and has developed novel energy dissipation devices for seismic and environmental load mitigation. Her work spans structural simulation , patent design , and construction safety evaluation . Recent publications include 2017 patents on multi-stage vibration reduction systems and a SCI-indexed paper on seismic control of transmission towers. Earlier work (2011) investigated concrete-ice interactions and geotechnical reinforcement . Her 2015 study on vertical structure dynamics remains influential. Third Prize in National Civil Engineering Multimedia Teaching (2007) Shandong University 'March 8th Red Flag Bearer' (2008) She has participated in 10 major research projects (including NSFC grants) and 5 teaching reforms. Her patents address structural resilience in extreme conditions, while textbooks cover risk management and environmental economics in engineering.
Rachel Carrico is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dance Studies at the University of Florida. She holds a Ph.D. in Critical Dance Studies from the University of California–Riverside, an M.A. in Performance Studies from NYU, and a teaching certificate from the Limón Institute. Her research focuses on the aesthetic, political, and social dimensions of dance traditions rooted in the African diaspora, particularly New Orleans' second line parading practices. Her book Dancing the Politics of Pleasure (2024) explores these themes, and her work has been published in TDR: The Drama Review , TBS: The Black Scholar , and multiple edited volumes. Carrico’s scholarship has earned the Selma Jeanne Cohen Award and grants from major institutions. She co-founded Goat in the Road Productions, directing international residencies and launching youth programs like Play/Write. Active in New Orleans’ cultural life, she parades annually with the Ice Divas Social and Pleasure Club. Her academic career includes faculty roles at Reed College, Colorado College, University of Oregon, and Wilson College, alongside a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford University.
Chris Coletti is an Associate Professor of Music Performance at Ithaca College, where he is affiliated with the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. He serves as the director of the Ithaca College Contemporary Ensemble and has also led the IC Gamer Symphony, Trumpet Ensemble, and the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. His primary research and performance interests lie in trumpet performance, brass performance, contemporary music, early music (including Baroque trumpet), orchestral conducting, and arranging. Coletti is internationally recognized as a soloist, principal trumpet with top orchestras, and former member of the Canadian Brass. Coletti has mentored numerous students who have won positions in professional military bands and orchestras, gained admission to elite graduate programs (Juilliard, Yale, NEC, MSM), completed PhDs at institutions like Florida State University and the University of Connecticut, and now serve as professors across the United States. He actively directs performance ensembles including the Contemporary Ensemble and IC Gamer Symphony at Ithaca College, and maintains principal trumpet roles with ROCO (Houston) and the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra while frequently performing as guest principal with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. Yeomi Choi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Lethbridge. Her research explores intersections of gender, race, ethnicity, class, and nation in sport migration, with a focus on digital media and transnational athletes. PhD in Kinesiology from University of North Carolina at Greensboro BSc in Sport and Leisure Studies from Korea National Sport University MA in Sport History from Korea National Sport University Her research examines: Discourse on transnational ice hockey players in Canada and South Korea Gendered and racialized representations in esports and traditional sports Nationalist narratives in Olympic media coverage The most recent publications highlight trends in: Digital media's role in shaping identity Transnational athlete narratives Gender and racial dynamics in sports Critical analysis of Olympic discourse Intergenerational conversations in women's sports Dr. Choi teaches courses on sociological perspectives, media representations, philosophical foundations, and applied ethics in physical activity. She is affiliated with the Socio/Cultural Lab at the University of Lethbridge.
Shannon Bredin serves as Associate Professor in the School of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, actively contributing to the Centre for Early Childhood Education & Research (CECER) within the Faculty of Education. Her academic focus centers on motor development and physical activity promotion across diverse populations, from early childhood settings to elite athletic contexts. Research Expertise: Motor Skill Development in Early Childhood Physical Activity Assessment Tools (PAR-Q+/ePARmed-X+) Grassroots Sport Development Frameworks Indigenous Perspectives on Wellness and Movement Health Promotion for Chronic Disease Prevention Perceptual-Cognitive Training in Youth Sports Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) refinement of physical activity screening protocols for clinical and community use, (2) culturally responsive approaches to physical literacy in Indigenous communities, and (3) biomechanical and psychological factors in youth sports performance. Her work bridges theoretical exercise science with practical public health applications, emphasizing knowledge translation for practitioners. Scientific Recognition: No formal awards documented in source materials Academic Leadership: While specific student mentorship details are unavailable, her involvement in major initiatives like the ACCELERATION Program and PAR-Q+ development indicates significant supervisory responsibilities. Current grant activity cannot be confirmed from provided texts but is implied through ongoing publication output. Research Environment: Dr. Bredin operates within UBC's Centre for Early Childhood Education & Research, facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations between kinesiology, education, and Indigenous health scholars. Her work with community-based programs suggests strong ties to British Columbia's public health infrastructure and sport organizations.
Dr. Ryan E.R. Reid is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Kinetics and Computer Science at St. Francis Xavier University. He leads the Wearable Movement Sensors Lab, focusing on integrating wearable technology into primary healthcare and studying physical activity in clinical populations. Post-doctoral Fellowship: Université de Montréal and Saint Justine University Hospital Center (2017-2019) PhD in Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology), McGill University (2012-2017) BSc in Kinesiology (Honours), McGill University (2009-2012) His research specializes in objective physical activity measurement using accelerometers (ActiGraph, ActivPal, Fitbit), with key applications in bariatric surgery outcomes, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and elite sports (ice hockey, football). Current projects emphasize healthcare equity through technology and chrono-exercise patterns in children. Recent publications analyze wearable monitor accuracy, post-surgical activity trends, and the intersection of timing, exercise, and obesity management. He also investigates workplace active workstation efficacy and pandemic-era virtual interventions for lymphoma survivors. Dr. Reid's work bridges computer science and human kinetics, aiming to improve health outcomes through data-driven approaches. His lab focuses on sensor validation, algorithm development, and translating findings to clinical and community settings.
