Nesha Z. Haniff is a Lecturer at the University of Michigan, affiliated with the Women's and Gender Studies and Afroamerican and African Studies departments. She previously served as faculty at the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and the African Studies Center. Ph.D. in Social Foundations of Education (1984) from University of Michigan Her research focuses on empowerment pedagogies addressing marginalized populations, particularly through HIV/AIDS education, gender justice, and LGBTQ+ activism across the Caribbean, South Africa, and the United States. She pioneered innovative educational modules on: HIV/AIDS prevention and community education Women's reproductive health and agency Combating homophobia in Black communities Developing microbicides for women's sexual safety She emphasizes praxis-based learning where students become activists through transnational engagement with these issues.
Associate Professor Lisa Fitzgerald is a public health sociologist at the School of Public Health , University of Queensland. Her work focuses on the health and wellbeing of marginalized populations, particularly those affected by HIV, sexual health disparities, and social determinants of health. She coordinates postgraduate courses in public health and qualitative research methods. Qualifications : Bachelor (Honours) of Arts, University of Canterbury; Masters (Coursework), University of Canterbury; Doctor of Philosophy, University of Otago. Research Interests : Qualitative Longitudinal Research Social Determinants of (Sexual) Health Community and Participatory Research Methods Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Grants : 2023-2026: Sociology of health data for sexually diverse populations (ARC Discovery Project) 2020-2023: Migrant networks and sexual health literacy 2019-2023: Sexual health trajectories of gender-diverse youth Supervision : She supervises PhD students exploring topics like Indigenous public health, queer rural experiences, sex worker health, and HIV self-testing. Her research has informed policy on HIV services, sex work, and harm reduction, with a focus on community partnerships and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Fatima Rajina is a Senior Legacy in Action Research Fellow at the Stephen Lawrence Research Centre, De Montfort University, Leicester. Trained in sociology and social anthropology, she specializes in British Bangladeshi Muslims, with a focus on identity, dress, language, Islamophobia, and postcolonialism in urban contexts such as Tower Hamlets, Luton, and Birmingham. Education: PhD, SOAS, University of London (Nohoudh Scholarship) MA in Islamic Societies and Cultures, SOAS BA, PGCE, MPhil Her research explores race-making, transnationalism, and the sociocultural dynamics of Muslim communities in Britain. She examines how stigma, political discourse, and media narratives shape identity, particularly among British Muslim men and women. Her work bridges academic scholarship and public engagement, addressing urgent issues like citizenship, belonging, and racialized policy. Dr. Rajina’s publications include a 2024 book with Manchester University Press, peer-reviewed articles in Journal of Muslims in Europe , Identities , and Sociology , and numerous opinion pieces in The Guardian , The Conversation , and Al Jazeera . Her recent work highlights the aesthetics of Jummah attire, media representations of Muslim women, and the impact of Brexit and the 'hostile environment' on British Bangladeshis. Scientific Awards: Shortlisted for the 2023 Sage Prize for Innovation/Excellence for 'The Burden of Conviviality' She supervises PhD students, including Gary Napier, and leads a British Academy-funded project on 'Jummah Aesthetics'. She has presented at major conferences such as BASAS, BRAIS, and the German Sociological Association, and has contributed to public discourse through podcasts, radio interviews, and public lectures at institutions like CUNY. Dr. Rajina is actively involved in decolonial scholarship, advocating for critical Muslim studies and challenging dominant narratives about race, religion, and citizenship in contemporary Britain.
Jessica J. Wong, DC, PhD is an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) at the School of Physical Therapy in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Western University. She holds cross-appointments as Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Assistant Professor (status-only) at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto, Adjunct Scientist at ICES Western, and Adjunct Professor at Ontario Tech University's Faculty of Health Sciences. Dr. Wong's educational background includes: PhD in Epidemiology from University of Toronto MPH in Epidemiology from University of Toronto Doctor of Chiropractic from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College BSc in Medical Radiation Sciences from University of Toronto Dr. Wong leads a program of research focused on aging, musculoskeletal health, rehabilitation, and health equity. Her work centers on developing innovative strategies to address unmet healthcare needs and improve equitable access-to-care for people requiring rehabilitation, particularly aging adults with musculoskeletal conditions. She employs epidemiologic and knowledge synthesis methods, including population-based studies using linked health survey and administrative data, as well as systematic and scoping reviews. A distinctive aspect of her research approach is the co-design of studies alongside people with lived experience, family members, and caregivers to ensure relevance and meaningful impact for diverse communities. Analysis of Dr. Wong's recent publications reveals a strong focus on rehabilitation access issues, particularly during the pandemic, and structural barriers to care for vulnerable populations. Her work spans multiple methodologies from population-based cohort studies to systematic reviews, with particular emphasis on musculoskeletal conditions, aging populations, and healthcare utilization patterns. She has made significant contributions to World Health Organization guidelines and has developed innovative approaches to measuring rehabilitation coverage. Dr. Wong has been recognized with several prestigious awards: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Research Excellence, Diversity and Independence (REDI) Awardee Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship AGE-WELL Michael F. Harcourt Policy Fellowship CIHR Doctoral Award As a supervisor, Dr. Wong accepts graduate students in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (MSc and PhD programs). Her research is supported by multiple grants, including her CIHR REDI Award, which focuses on the Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research. She collaborates extensively across institutions, particularly with ICES Western for population health data analysis, and maintains strong connections with clinical rehabilitation settings to ensure her research addresses real-world challenges. Dr. Wong is actively involved in several research clusters including Aging & Life-Course Epidemiology, Chronic Disease & Multimorbidity, Marginalized Populations & Social Determinants of Health, and Health Services Research. Her work bridges clinical practice, epidemiology, and health policy to create meaningful improvements in rehabilitation services.
Dr. Simone Buzwell is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology. With over 30 years of experience, she is a leading academic in health and developmental psychology, specializing in sexuality, gender identity, body image, and chronic disease. She has served in leadership roles, including Associate Dean, and led significant research grants such as the OLT-funded 'Valuing Student Voices' project. Education: PhD from La Trobe University (awarded Best PhD in Faculty of Health Sciences, 1996) Current Affiliation: Swinburne University of Technology, School of Health Sciences, Department of Psychology Her research focuses on sexuality and sexual behavior, gender euphoria, body dysmorphic disorder, and the psychological impact of cosmetic procedures. She is the co-developer of the world-first Gender Euphoria Scale (GES) and has led studies on the 'Zoom Effect' and consent education. Her work bridges clinical psychology and public health, with strong community and policy implications. Her recent publications reveal a consistent trend in exploring identity, stigma, and well-being, particularly among LGBTQ+ and chronically ill populations. Themes include resilience, appearance dissatisfaction, and the psychosocial impact of technology and medical interventions. She frequently employs qualitative and mixed-methods approaches. Scientific Award: Best PhD in the Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University (1996) Dr. Buzwell actively supervises PhD and Master’s students across diverse topics in psychology and has received consistently high student feedback for her teaching. She has led externally funded research projects, including an AMSI grant for a clinician screening tool and a research contract with the Cosmetic Professional Institute of Australia. She is involved in professional organizations such as the MS Society of VIC/NSW and contributes to public discourse through media engagement.
Evan Matthews is a Lecturer in Health Promotion at the Department of Sport and Exercise Science, School of Health Sciences, South East Technological University (SETU) , and Co-Programme Director for the BSc Public Health and Health Promotion. He previously held roles as Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Waterford Institute of Technology and Research Lead with the HSE. Education: PhD in Physical Activity Programme Development for Severe Mental Illness (2020) BSc in Exercise and Health Studies (2014) Research Focus: Evan’s work bridges Lifestyle Psychiatry , Mental Health Promotion , and Community-Based Physical Activity for marginalized populations, including those with severe mental illness, substance use disorders, and chronic conditions. His research emphasizes participatory methods and co-design to ensure stakeholder engagement. Recent Publications highlight trends in pandemic mental health (COH-FIT studies), implementation of exercise practitioners in mental health services, and patient-centered frameworks for vision research. Key themes include health equity, cross-cultural adaptation, and evidence-based guideline development. Scientific Recognition: 2022 Best Oral Presentation Award 2024 HSE Excellence Award (Sláintecare) Teaching & Leadership: He teaches modules on Physical Activity Promotion , Mental Health , and Research Methods , while supervising 4 postgraduate students. Evan chairs the Exercise Effect Project and contributes to SETU’s University Research Ethics Committee.
Dr. Shandra Nicole Frey (Nicki Frey) is a Professor in the Department of Wildland Resources at Utah State University, specializing in Human-Wildlife Interactions. She collaborates with federal, state, and local partners to research sensitive species and develop strategies for reducing wildlife damage while promoting positive human-wildlife coexistence. Her work spans species including small mammals, ringtails, sage-grouse, and free-roaming horses. She also leads youth education programs engaging high-school students in natural resources research. Education PhD, Wildlife Biology (Human-Wildlife Interactions), Utah State University, 2004 MS, Wildlife Biology (Human-Wildlife Interactions), Utah State University, 2001 BS, Wildlife Management, West Virginia University, 1996 Research Focus Dr. Frey's research integrates wildlife ecology with human dimensions, emphasizing: Predator-prey dynamics in managed landscapes Conservation strategies for species like sage-grouse and prairie dogs Anthropogenic impacts on wildlife behavior and habitat use Her publications consistently address wildlife responses to human activities including mining, energy infrastructure, and hunting. Awards & Honors Innovative Extension Program Award (2023) The Wildlife Society Fellow (2021) Goldwater Scholarship (2019) Award of Excellence, Western Extension Directors’ Association (2015) Professional Achievement Award, Central Mountain and Plains Section of TWS (2013) Advising & Outreach Dr. Frey mentors graduate students in wildlife management and leads extension programs on human-wildlife conflict resolution. She develops educational materials for landowners and manages youth initiatives like the National Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program. Collaborations She works with the Jack H. Berryman Institute and partners with agencies including US Forest Service, BLM, and Utah DWR on field research and conservation implementation.
Jaleah Rutledge is a T32 Postdoctoral Fellow at the Yale School of Public Health ’s Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS. She holds a PhD in Ecological-Community Psychology from Michigan State University and dual undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Communications from Tuskegee University. Current academic appointment: Postdoctoral Fellow, Social and Behavioral Sciences Key service role: Co-Chair, Yale Black Postdoctoral Association Research Interests: Focus on racial health disparities, health equity, and community-based interventions for marginalized populations – particularly Black women and girls. Strengths include qualitative methods, HIV/STI prevention, maternal health equity, and intersectional approaches to sexual/reproductive health. Publication Trends: Recent work analyzes HIV testing disparities in Black adolescents, social media’s impact on sexual health, and structural drivers of maternal care access in Haiti. Collaborations frequently involve interdisciplinary teams across Yale’s Social and Behavioral Sciences and Epidemiology departments. Scientific Recognition: Dissertation of the Year Award (Society for Community Research and Action, APA Division 27) Graduate Student Leader of the Year Bob and Bets Caldwell Land-Grant Values Award Grants & Partnerships: Secured funding from Yale’s Office of the Provost for research collaborations with Tuskegee University. Active in designing community-engaged HIV prevention frameworks and digital health equity projects. Labs & Teams: Works with Yale’s Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA) and collaborates with the Prevention Research Center (PRC) team. Engages in multi-institutional research networks focused on health equity and Black women’s health.
Sean Grace is Professor and Chair of the Biology Department at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) in New Haven, Connecticut, and Co-Director of the Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies. A marine ecologist by training, he has built a research program centered on nearshore temperate reefs, kelp forests, and coral communities of southern New England. Education & Academic Posts Current: Professor and Chair, Department of Biology, Southern Connecticut State University Co-Director, Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies, SCSU Research Focus Grace’s scholarship addresses the ecology of shallow-water marine communities, with an emphasis on how environmental change re-shapes benthic systems. Core themes include: Mechanisms driving the decline of kelp at its southern range margin, especially during marine heatwaves Bio-fouling and community development on offshore renewable-energy infrastructure (Block Island Wind Farm) Multi-species interactions among temperate corals, sponges, urchins, and turf-forming algae Physiological and ecological consequences of winter quiescence in the northern star coral Astrangia poculata These projects integrate field experiments, physiological assays, and collaborative genomics to forecast how temperate reefs will respond to continued warming and human activity. Publication Trends Over the past decade Grace has published extensively on kelp forest collapse, climate-driven shifts in macroalgal assemblages, and the ecology of the temperate coral Astrangia poculata . His work repeatedly appears in high-impact journals such as PLOS Biology , Global Change Biology , Scientific Reports , and Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology . A clear trajectory emerges: early studies on biomechanics and feeding ecology have evolved into large-scale collaborative investigations of climate impacts, carbon cycling, and ecosystem regime shifts. Grants & Funding NOAA/Connecticut Sea Grant: “Restoration of kelp forests and associated ecosystem services in Long Island Sound” (2022–2024, co-PI) Werth Family Foundation: Endowment for the Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies (2014–2023, $750k, Co-PI) U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management: Multiple awards evaluating biofouling and benthic communities at the Block Island Wind Farm (2018–2020, PI & Co-PI) CSU-AAUP & Faculty Development Grants: Kelp farming, documented phase-shifts, and seminar series (2012–present) Laboratory & Mentorship Grace’s research lab is a hub for both undergraduate and graduate students exploring topics ranging from horseshoe crab ecology to mercury bioaccumulation in macroalgae. Fieldwork regularly takes students into the intertidal and subtidal zones of Long Island Sound aboard small boats and SCUBA operations, providing hands-on training in experimental design, physiological techniques, and ecological statistics.
Aprile Benner is a Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Human Ecology. Her work focuses on how social contexts influence marginalized youth’s development, particularly regarding racial/ethnic discrimination, school transitions, and health disparities. She holds appointments at the Population Research Center and Center on Aging and Population Sciences. Education: Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles M.S., Purdue University B.S., Vanderbilt University Research Interests: Benner investigates developmental processes for low-income and racially/ethnically diverse youth. Key areas include: Racial/ethnic discrimination’s physiological and psychological impacts Numeric marginalization in schools and neighborhoods Biopsychosocial pathways linking discrimination to health outcomes Adolescent transitions during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic Grants (selected): $750K+ NIH grant studying discrimination’s biological effects (2017-2023) COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on youth well-being (Spencer Foundation) Meta-analyses on school-based marginalization and academic achievement Awards: Recognized as a William T. Grant Scholar (2013), APS Fellow (2020), and UT Austin’s top graduate teacher (2019). Advising & Labs: Leads the Mosaic Lab, mentoring 14+ graduate students. Advises on 7 current doctoral projects focusing on discrimination measurement and intervention design.
Associate Professor Jo River at the University of Technology Sydney's Faculty of Health leads research focused on health equity through participatory methods. Their work partners with marginalized communities including LGBTQ+ populations, people experiencing homelessness, and those with mental health challenges to co-design health services and research. Research interests center on participatory methodologies with emphasis on co-production frameworks in health services. Key areas include: Community-engaged mental health interventions Gender diversity and intersectionality in healthcare Trauma-informed service design Non-traditional knowledge dissemination Publications focus on systemic health inequities, with recent works examining climate impacts on homeless populations and LGBTQ+ experiences in mental health systems. Research employs scoping reviews and thematic syntheses to advance inclusive healthcare frameworks. Awards and honors: 2022 Dean's Award for Social Justice 2024 St Vincent's Health Research Award for co-designing Mobile Cooling Hubs Supervises 11 graduate students researching recovery paradigms, neurodiversity in healthcare, and housing solutions. Leads the 'Raising the Bar' research program developing evidence-based partnership models. Secured multiple grants including NSW Health funding for co-designing AOD education programs. Co-leads the Disabilities Research Network and partners with community organizations on frontline service innovations.
Veronica J Garrison-Joyner is a part-time lecturer in the Department of English at George Mason University, specializing in writing and rhetoric. Her teaching focuses on composition for multilingual writers, technical writing, and advanced business communication. She holds an MA in Literature from American University and a BA in English Language and Literature from Bowie State University. MA, Literature – American University BA, English Language and Literature – Bowie State University Her research explores the intersection of composition pedagogy, digital rhetoric, and strategies for supporting multilingual and minority student populations. Recent work includes analyzing cultural accessibility in health communication materials. Veronica actively presents at conferences such as the Association of Teachers of Technical Writing (ATTW) and the Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC). She is committed to making writing instruction inclusive and adaptable for diverse learners.
Dr. Leah Adams is an Associate Professor at George Mason University in the Department of Psychology and the Women & Gender Studies program. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from George Mason University and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Washington Medical Center and Group Health Research Institute. Her research focuses on psychosocial adaptation to chronic illness, disability, and health equity for marginalized populations. Her work spans chronic pain, HIV, brain injury, and spinal cord injury, with emphasis on: Healthcare experiences of minoritized communities Trauma-informed interventions Intersection of mental and physical health Dr. Adams teaches courses including Abnormal Psychology, Black Psychology, and Gender Culture & Health. She mentors doctoral students on topics like military sexual trauma and stigma disclosure. Her recent publications (2023-2024) cluster around: Pandemic impacts on vulnerable groups Food insecurity and maternal mental health Traumatic brain injury rehabilitation Systemic barriers in healthcare
Jonathan T. Baker, Ph.D., serves as an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication Studies at Ohio University, with his office located in Schoonover Center 409. His academic work bridges health communication and interpersonal communication with a critical focus on healthcare equity. Dr. Baker's research program investigates how communication processes create, perpetuate, and address inequities in health access and wellbeing, specifically examining the impact of conscious and unconscious prejudice during health-related interactions. His current work analyzes micro-level patient-clinician communication and macro-level media representations to understand barriers faced by transgender and nonbinary individuals seeking gender-affirming care including hormone therapy and surgical interventions. This research identifies communication strategies to mitigate systemic barriers and improve healthcare experiences for marginalized populations. His scholarly output appears in leading interdisciplinary journals such as Health Communication , Journal of Health Communication , International Journal of Communication , Social Science & Medicine , Qualitative Health Research , and Journal of Social and Personal Relationships , demonstrating significant cross-disciplinary impact across communication studies, public health, and social sciences. Scientific Awards: No awards or honors are documented in the provided information. Advising and Grants: The available materials contain no details regarding graduate students supervised, research grants secured, or external funding sources supporting Dr. Baker's work. No information about research laboratories, collaborative teams, or institutional affiliations beyond Ohio University's School of Communication Studies is provided in the source text.
Wonjun Choi is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), specializing in Sport Management and Leadership. He joined UNH in 2023 and focuses on organizational sustainability, program evaluation, and leveraging sport for health and social outcomes. His research examines cross-sector partnerships, resource management, and equity in sport-based initiatives. Education: Ph.D., Recreation, Sport and Tourism, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign M.A., Sports Management, University of Michigan B.S., Community Sport, Korea National Sport University, Seoul Dr. Choi’s work bridges academic research with practical applications in sport organizations. He teaches courses such as Sport Industry , Sport Facility and Event Management , and Leadership in Sport . His research emphasizes the role of sport in fostering community development, with a focus on marginalized populations and cultural identity. Recent publications explore esports, special Olympics inclusion, and consumer behavior in sport contexts. He has contributed to journals like Journal of Sport Management and Psychology & Marketing . Dr. Choi’s work highlights the intersection of sport management, organizational sustainability, and social equity. He has no listed scientific awards but maintains active research collaborations globally.
