Ghislaine Dehaene-Lambertz directs the developmental neuroimaging laboratory at Neurospin (INSERM, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay) where she pioneered the use of brain imaging techniques in infants. As a pediatrician and cognitive scientist, her research investigates the emergence of cognitive functions through non-invasive neuroimaging. Her primary research examines language acquisition in infants, with additional work on numerical cognition, face perception, music processing, and neural correlates of consciousness. She was elected International Member of the US National Academy of Sciences in 2022 in recognition of her contributions to understanding cognitive development.
Laurie M. Douglass, MD, is an Associate Professor at Boston University's Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and holds leadership roles as Chief of the Division of Child Neurology and Director of Pediatric Epilepsy at Boston Medical Center. She earned her MD from Tufts University School of Medicine and a BSc in Physical Therapy from Boston University. Her research focuses on epilepsy in the developing brain, healthcare delivery for children with epilepsy, and telehealth innovations. She has pioneered telehealth applications for pediatric epilepsy care, including the Telehealth Epilepsy Care Collaborative (TECC), which develops tools like seizure screeners and virtual medical homes. Education: BS in Physical Therapy, Boston University MD, Tufts University School of Medicine Dr. Douglass's research interests include pediatric epilepsy/seizures, dietary therapies like the ketogenic diet, and improving healthcare systems for neurologically vulnerable youth. She has led NIH-funded studies (e.g., ELGAN-2) and secured grants from HRSA, Charles Hood Foundation, and others. Her work addresses mental health crises in youth with epilepsy and transition-of-care challenges. Notable awards include the 2018 Excellence in Leadership Award (Boston Medical Center) and 2017 Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation grant. Her grants include projects like Transition for Youth with Autism and/or Epilepsy Demonstration Projects (2024–2029) and Beyond Watching and Waiting: A Novel Collaboration to Prevent Mental Illness in High-Risk Youth (2022–2025). She mentors child neurology residents and collaborates broadly on epilepsy care innovations. Dr. Douglass's lab, TECC, focuses on telehealth and tool development, such as the Virtual Patient-Centered Medical Home and seizure screening tools adapted for Spanish-speaking families. She also studies mental health interventions for underserved populations with epilepsy.
Ilse Castro-Aragon, MD is a Clinical Associate Professor and Section Chief of Pediatric Radiology at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. She holds dual degrees (MD and BS) from the Universidad de Costa Rica. Her research focuses on pediatric imaging, particularly in neonatal and fetal ultrasound applications, prenatal opioid exposure effects, and congenital anomalies. She has over 20 peer-reviewed publications and actively contributes to medical AI projects like FLUEnT for pneumonia detection. Her work spans global health initiatives including pediatric lung imaging in Zambia and clinical ethics advocacy through ACR statements on reproductive healthcare. She maintains leadership roles in radiology education and is affiliated with BU's Department of Radiology's pediatric imaging division. Education: MD & BS from Universidad de Costa Rica Professional Affiliations: Radiology Faculty at Boston University Medical Center Research Interests: Development of novel ultrasound techniques for neonatal brain assessment, AI-driven diagnostic tools for lung pathologies, and improving imaging protocols in congenital heart disease patients. She also investigates imaging challenges in premature infants and contributes to global health through dataset curation initiatives. Her recent work addresses the neurodevelopmental impact of prenatal opioid exposure using advanced ultrasound protocols. Publications Highlight: Over 20 articles in high-impact journals like Radiology and AJR, with recent emphasis on AI applications in pediatric imaging and clinical guidelines development. Key contributions include validation of abdominal ultrasound for necrotizing enterocolitis prediction and standardized approaches for germinal matrix imaging in preterm infants.
Siraj Amanullah serves as Professor of Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, and Health Services, Policy and Practice at Brown University, with extensive contributions to pediatric emergency care, public health research, and health services analysis. His work bridges clinical practice and population health studies, focusing on vulnerable pediatric populations and healthcare system dynamics. His educational foundation includes an MD from Aga Khan University (1996) and an MPH from Brown University (2004), establishing his dual expertise in clinical medicine and public health methodology. These qualifications underpin his interdisciplinary research approach across medical and policy domains. Dr. Amanullah's research centers on pediatric emergency medicine, injury prevention, and health disparities, with particular emphasis on how socioeconomic factors influence healthcare access and outcomes. His investigations into emergency department utilization patterns, trauma epidemiology, and public health interventions demonstrate consistent focus on real-world clinical challenges affecting children. Key themes include the impact of digital media on development, sleep health, obesity, and the intersection of mental health with physical injury. Analysis of his publication record reveals strong methodological diversity, combining population-based assessments, epidemiological studies, and clinical interventions. His work frequently addresses health equity issues, particularly regarding insurance status, education level, and social determinants of health. Recent research has pivoted to pandemic response while maintaining longstanding interests in injury prevention and pediatric emergency care systems. Through Brown University's collaborative ecosystem, Dr. Amanullah maintains active partnerships across Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, and Public Health departments. His teaching responsibilities include PHP 2076 (Integrated Learning Experience for Accelerated MPH Program), demonstrating commitment to training future public health professionals. While specific grant details aren't public, his extensive coauthor network indicates robust research funding and team-based science. Dr. Amanullah operates within Brown's integrated medical and public health infrastructure, contributing to both the Warren Alpert Medical School and School of Public Health environments. His work connects clinical emergency departments with population health initiatives, creating translational pathways from bedside observations to policy recommendations.
Dr Mohammad Fauzan Bin Maideen serves as Associate Lecturer in Paediatric Physiotherapy at the Discipline of Physiotherapy within the Sydney School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney. He is also an active member of the Charles Perkins Centre, contributing to interdisciplinary research on obesity and child health. His teaching portfolio includes coordinating Paediatric Physiotherapy and Physiotherapy Across the Lifespan units while supporting foundational courses in the Doctor of Physiotherapy program. His educational qualifications comprise: PhD Master of Physiotherapy (Paediatric Physiotherapy) Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Rehabilitation Sciences) Diploma in Physiotherapy Bin Maideen's research integrates paediatric physiotherapy with environmental health and neurophysiology, focusing on infant thermoregulation in extreme heat, obesity-related neural mechanisms, and exercise-based cognitive interventions. His work bridges clinical practice with public health applications, particularly in developing low-cost safety solutions for vulnerable populations and exploring molecular pathways in metabolic disorders. Recent publications (2020-2023) reveal a distinct interdisciplinary trajectory examining heat stress mitigation in paediatric contexts, obesity neurobiology, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Key patterns include biophysical modeling of environmental interventions, neuronal guidance cues in metabolic disease, and exercise physiology applications for cognitive health, demonstrating strong collaboration across ergonomics, planetary health, and pharmaceutical sciences. His scientific recognition includes: Postgraduate Research Scholarship in Paediatric Temperature Regulation 2016 Teaching and Learning Achievement Award from Nanyang Polytechnic 2007 Yvonne Burns Prize for Paediatric Physiotherapy excellence at The University of Queensland As Student Liaison Academic for the Doctor of Physiotherapy program, Bin Maideen provides academic mentorship while coordinating specialized coursework. His research collaborations span multiple institutions including Nanyang Polytechnic and The University of Queensland, with grant funding evidenced through his paediatric temperature regulation scholarship. The Charles Perkins Centre affiliation enables cross-disciplinary work on obesity and child health initiatives.
Dr. Jens H. Jensen is a Professor of Neuroscience at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and Director of the Center for Biomedical Imaging. He holds a PhD in Physics from Princeton University and previously worked at New York University School of Medicine before joining MUSC in 2011. His research focuses on advanced MRI techniques applied to neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, stroke, and addiction. His work emphasizes diffusion MRI, brain microstructure analysis, and translational neuroimaging. Education: PhD in Physics, Princeton University Prior affiliation: New York University School of Medicine Research Interests: Dr. Jensen’s lab develops and applies diffusion MRI methods to study brain microstructure in health and disease. Key areas include: Diffusional kurtosis imaging White matter integrity assessment Neuroimaging biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease Therapeutic monitoring using MRI (e.g., transcranial stimulation) His recent work explores longitudinal changes in mouse models of neurodegeneration and clinical applications in stroke and addiction. Advising & Grants: While specific grant details are not listed here, his prolific publication record suggests sustained federal and institutional funding. He mentors students in physics, engineering, and neuroscience. Labs/Teams: Leads the Center for Biomedical Imaging at MUSC, focusing on cutting-edge neuroimaging technologies and clinical translation.
Laura Kurdziel is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department at Merrimack College’s School of Arts & Sciences, and the Program Director of Neuroscience. Her research focuses on the neurological and behavioral functions of sleep, particularly its role in learning, memory, emotion, and development. She explores how factors like traumatic brain injuries, nutrition, and exercise influence sleep physiology. Education: She holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UMass Amherst, an M.S. in Animal Behavior from Bucknell University, and a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Maryland. Research Interests: Kurdziel investigates sleep’s impact on emotional regulation, memory consolidation across the lifespan, and cognitive development. Her work emphasizes infant sleep patterns, concussion recovery, and the neurological effects of mild traumatic brain injuries. Recent studies include interventions linking sleep, diet, and physical activity to cognitive and social-emotional health in children. Publications highlight her contributions to understanding nap benefits in early childhood, micronutrient impacts on cognition, and sleep-related emotion regulation. Her work has been featured in outlets like the Boston Globe and BBC. Scientific Awards: Kurdziel has received NIH grants, Merrimack College’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, and the Distinguished Teaching Award from UMass Amherst. She leads multiple funded projects, including a digital intervention for youth mental health and sleep behaviors. Grants and Advising: As Co-Investigator on NIH grants and recipient of institutional funding, she supports interdisciplinary research. Her work bridges clinical and developmental domains, emphasizing practical applications in education and public health. Labs/Teams: While no specific lab is mentioned, her roles indicate collaborative research environments at Merrimack College and partnerships with institutions like the University of Anchorage, Alaska.
Dr. Lisa Wisman Weil is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Assistant Dean in the School of Communication at Emerson College. Her research focuses on child language development, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental language disorder (DLD), and early intervention strategies in speech-language pathology. She co-directs the Language in Infants + Toddlers (LI+TLE) Lab, investigating language acquisition in young children with neurodevelopmental disorders and caregiver experiences in early intervention programs. Her teaching includes courses on autism, communication disorders, and clinical methods in speech-language pathology. Education: B.A. and M.A., Case Western Reserve University Ph.D., Purdue University Her research explores unconventional language features in ASD, the impact of early intervention on family well-being, and graduate student skill development in counseling. Dr. Weil emphasizes a family-centered and student-centered approach in both research and education. Her work bridges clinical practice and theoretical insights to improve outcomes for children with communication disorders.
Melinda Boyd, DCN, MPH, MHR, RD, is an Adjunct Professor at Logan University and currently a doctoral student in Clinical Nutrition at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She works in maternal, infant, and child health while maintaining a private practice focused on family wellness and weight management. Her expertise spans nutrition , weight management , and vegetarian dietary planning . Boyd holds a Master of Public Health (University of Nevada Las Vegas) and a Master of Human Relations (University of Oklahoma) , with undergraduate training in biology (Muhlenberg College) and nutrition (Cedar Crest College). She has contributed to literature on registered dietitian research engagement , vegetarian pregnancy nutrition , and chromium's metabolic effects . As an active voice in international dietetics , Boyd's work bridges epidemiology and clinical practice , emphasizing behavioral approaches to nutrition through her co-authored book Train Your Brain to Get Thin (2012). She remains engaged in public health initiatives and nutritional education for diverse populations.
Ronette Lategan-Potgieter is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at Stetson University. She holds a PhD, MS, and BS in Dietetics from the University of the Free State, South Africa. Her expertise spans community nutrition, cultural health behaviors, and nutrition's role in optimal human development. Her research focuses on improving infant and young child nutrition, brain health preservation, and lifelong nutritional strategies. Key areas include caregiver attitudes toward child nutrition, military population obesity prevention, and vitamin supplementation efficacy. Notable publications address sociodemographic influences on child nutrition practices, pecan production guidelines, and PMTCT program implementation in South Africa. No scientific awards are listed in the provided materials. Her teaching includes courses like 'Introduction to Nutrition Science' and 'Cross Cultural Aspects of Health Behavior.' No advising or grant information is explicitly detailed in the text.
Dr. Tomoki Arichi is a Clinical Professor of Perinatal Neuroscience at King's College London and Head of the Research Department of Early Life Imaging. He holds an honorary position as a Consultant in Paediatric Neurodisability at the Evelina London Children's Hospital. His work focuses on using advanced neuroimaging techniques (e.g., fMRI, EEG) to study neonatal brain development and injury. He leads collaborations with institutions like Imperial College London's Human Robotics Group to develop rehabilitative tools for infants with brain injuries. Education: PhD in functional MRI from Imperial College London (2012), MRC Clinician Scientist (2017), and MRC Senior Clinical Fellow (2024). Key awards include the BPNA Ronnie MacKeith Prize (2014) and King's Engaged Research Award (2025). Research interests span neonatal brain imaging, functional connectivity, and robotics-assisted therapies. His group's work contributes to Sustainable Development Goals related to health and education.
Dr. Haruo Usuda is a Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia (UWA) Medical School, specializing in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. His work focuses on fetal development, antenatal steroids, and preterm birth interventions using ovine models. He has contributed to studies on inflammation modulation, artificial placenta technology, and genetic factors influencing steroid therapy responses. Research Interests: Perinatal medicine and fetal lung maturation Intrauterine inflammation and its effects on fetal health Pharmacology of antenatal steroids and their efficacy Development of artificial placenta systems for preterm viability Genetic polymorphisms influencing steroid therapy outcomes Key Projects: National Institutes of Health-funded study on preterm lung and brain responses to mechanical ventilation and corticosteroids NHMRC-funded research on EVE Therapy (Artificial Placenta) for preterm infants Preclinical evaluation of IL-1R inhibitors for fetal injury prevention Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining pharmacology, genetics, and medical technology to address critical issues in perinatal care.
Dr. Damien Benis is a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Geneva's Neuroscience of Emotion and Affective Lab, specializing in neural mechanisms of emotion and cognition. His work bridges clinical neurology and cognitive neuroscience with focus on basal ganglia functions in Parkinson's disease and stroke patients. Education Master in Biology, University Joseph Fourrier, Grenoble PhD in Neuroscience, Institut des Neurosciences de Grenoble (2014) His research centers on affective and cognitive neuroscience , particularly vocal emotion decoding through acoustic feature analysis. Using electrophysiological recordings (microrecordings and LFP) during deep brain stimulation surgeries, he investigates how basal ganglia and cerebellum contribute to emotional prosody processing. Current projects examine neuromodulation effects on affective processes in movement disorders. Publications from 2019-2024 reveal consistent focus on vocal emotion deficits across neurological conditions, with growing emphasis on post-viral neuropsychological complications. His work integrates neurology, psychology, and neuroimaging to map sensory-motor pathways in emotion processing. Dr. Benis has supervised Master's research including Xavier Lince's 2019 thesis on spatial navigation and emotion in memory. As part of Geneva's Neuroscience of Emotion and Affective Lab, he collaborates on interdisciplinary projects investigating neural substrates of emotional prosody using multimodal approaches.
Professor Chris Gale is Professor of Neonatal Medicine at Imperial College London's School of Public Health and honorary consultant neonatologist at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust. His research focuses on neonatal population health, including large clinical trials, observational research, and population-level surveillance of perinatal brain injuries and neonatal complications of COVID-19. He leads major trials like neoGASTRIC and WHEAT International focused on preventing necrotising enterocolitis in preterm infants. Professor Gale has developed core outcomes for neonatal research and conducted studies on optimal nutrition and feeding practices. He holds an MBBS from Newcastle University, MSc in Clinical Paediatrics from UCL, and PhD from Imperial College London. His work has been supported by the Medical Research Council and National Institute of Health Research. Professor Gale serves as Academic Training Programme Director for the London School of Paediatrics and contributes to national surveillance of perinatal brain injuries for the UK Department of Health.
Marianne van der Vaart is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at King’s College London’s Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, part of the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN). Her work focuses on validating EEG biomarkers for clinical trials and neurodevelopmental conditions, aiming to enhance tailored support for individuals seeking interventions. She holds advanced degrees including a PhD from the University of Oxford (2022) and MSc/BSc degrees from Leiden University, Netherlands. Her research interests span EEG/fMRI analysis in infants, multimodal approaches to sensory processing, and translational neuroscience. She emphasizes reproducible methodologies and inclusive research practices. Key contributions include advancing pain assessment tools for neonates and developing the PiNe Box, an electronic device for synchronized multimodal data collection in hospitalized infants. Her recent work explores parental touch’s role in neonatal pain relief (Petal trial), caffeine’s effects in preterm neonates, and systematic reviews of EEG reliability in analgesic efficacy. She advocates for standardised protocols to bridge neuroscientific discoveries with clinical applications. Marianne’s career trajectory includes postdoctoral research in the University of Oxford’s Paediatric Neuroimaging Group, where she investigated neonatal pain management in preterm and term infants. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates medicine, biomedical sciences, and computational methods to address unmet clinical needs in neonatal care.
