Dr. Kaya de Barbaro is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin (College of Liberal Arts). She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California San Diego. Her research focuses on bridging computer science and developmental/clinical psychology, particularly maternal mental health and infant social-emotional development. She directs the Daily Activity Lab, which uses mobile/wearable sensors and machine learning to analyze real-world interactions, aiming to develop just-in-time interventions for new mothers. Key research areas include maternal-infant dynamics, physiological synchronization, and the impact of environmental chaos on development. She has pioneered methods for analyzing high-density data, such as Granger causality and machine learning algorithms to detect behaviors like crying and holding. Recent work emphasizes leveraging ecological momentary assessment surveys and 24-hour LENA audio recordings to understand proximal mechanisms of development. Dr. de Barbaro teaches Psychology 333D (Introduction to Developmental Psychology) and has developed curricula for both in-person and online formats. She is actively involved in training students through the Eureka program at UT Austin. Her lab collaborates on tools like chatbots for postpartum mental health and has published extensively on sensor-based methodologies in developmental science.
Professor Maria Craig is a distinguished academic and researcher at the University of New South Wales, Faculty of Medicine & Health, specializing in childhood diabetes research. She holds a prominent position as a Professor with extensive contributions to the field of pediatric endocrinology and diabetes, particularly focusing on type 1 diabetes in children. Professor Craig's educational background includes: MB BS from the University of Melbourne MMedSc(ClinEpid) from the University of Newcastle PhD from the University of Sydney FRACP (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians) Professor Craig's research primarily focuses on childhood diabetes, with special emphasis on prediction and prevention of type 1 diabetes. She has a significant interest in the association between viruses and type 1 diabetes, collaborating with the Virology Research Group at Prince of Wales Hospital (POWH). Together with Professor Bill Rawlinson, she leads the viral theme for the multicentre ENDIA study (endia.org.au). As principal investigator for the CoRD trial, she is conducting a world-first phase 1 study using autologous cord blood for prevention of type 1 diabetes in children with islet autoimmunity. Additionally, she serves as principal investigator for the Australasian Diabetes Data Network (ADDN). Her research portfolio also encompasses the epidemiology of various forms of childhood diabetes (type 1, type 2, cystic fibrosis related diabetes and monogenic diabetes) and diabetes complications, in collaboration with Professor Kim Donaghue at the Children's Hospital at Westmead. Professor Craig's extensive publication record, including over 361 journal articles, demonstrates her leadership in advancing our understanding of childhood diabetes. Her recent work shows increasing focus on early detection methods, risk prediction models, technological interventions for diabetes management, and the complex interplay between viral infections and autoimmune diabetes development. She has been instrumental in developing clinical practice guidelines through her role as co-editor of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) guidelines. Professor Craig has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to pediatric endocrinology and diabetes research: Australian Paediatric Endocrine Group Young Investigator's Award (1997) Asia Pacific Paediatric Endocrine Society Clinical Teaching Award (2008) Lifetime Honorary Member, Caring and Living as Neighbours (2013) Australian Diabetes Society Jeff Flack Diabetes Data Award (2019) Australian Paediatric Endocrine Group Norman Wettenhall Award for Research and Innovation (2019) Throughout her career, Professor Craig has demonstrated exceptional leadership in professional societies, having served as former president/treasurer of the Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group (APEG) and currently as Scientific Convenor of the Asia Pacific Paediatric Endocrine Society Fellows school. Her work with the ENDIA study and Australasian Diabetes Data Network represents significant collaborative research efforts involving multiple institutions across Australia and internationally. Her principal investigator roles for major studies indicate substantial research funding support. Professor Craig leads several important research initiatives including the ENDIA study, the CoRD trial, and the Australasian Diabetes Data Network. These programs involve multidisciplinary teams of researchers, clinicians, and support staff working collaboratively to advance understanding and treatment of childhood diabetes. Her work at the intersection of virology and diabetes represents a unique and innovative approach to understanding the environmental triggers of type 1 diabetes.
Nicolas Mathevon is a Professor at the University of Saint-Etienne and a Senior Member of the Institut universitaire de France (IUF). His research focuses on bioacoustics and animal communication, spanning from marine mammals to birds. He has held visiting positions at Hunter College (City University of New York) and the University of California, Berkeley. Education Habilitation à diriger les Recherches (2002, University of Saint-Etienne) PhD (1996, University of Lyon 1) Master's Degree (ranked 2nd, University of Lyon 1) Agrégation in Life and Earth Sciences (ranked 8th) Mathevon's research explores how animals use sound for social interactions, mate selection, and environmental adaptation. His work bridges bioacoustics, neuroethology, and behavioral ecology, with a focus on decoding vocal signals' complexity. His publications cover diverse topics including animal soundscapes, vocal memory in seals, and neural encoding of communication calls. The articles highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining neuroscience, behavioral studies, and acoustic signal analysis. Scientific Awards Prose Award for Excellence in Biological and Life Sciences, AAP (2024) Chevalier des Palmes Académiques (2017) IUF Senior Member (2015-present) IUF Junior Member (2005-2010) Mathevon has supervised 17 PhD students, 10 postdocs, and contributed to public outreach through media, documentaries, and public lectures. He leads the International Master of Bioacoustics program and serves as President of the International BioAcoustic Society.
Federica Tomao is an Associate Professor at the Department of Maternal, Child and Urological Sciences within Sapienza University of Rome. She actively teaches and supervises courses in Medicine and Surgery , Nursing , and Midwifery programs across multiple institutions. Current faculty member with academic rank Teaching roles in 6th, 3rd, and 2nd year courses Specialized in gynecologic oncology Research Focus : Her work spans ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer, emphasizing chemotherapy optimization, precision medicine, and radiomics. Notably, she contributes to understanding PARP inhibitors, immune checkpoint therapies, and fertility preservation techniques in cancer survivors. Recent Publications highlight advancements in sarcopenia analysis, BRCA testing, and radiogenomic nomograms. These studies demonstrate her commitment to bridging imaging and molecular data for improved cancer management. Email : federica.tomao@uniroma1.it
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)United Kingdom
Eric Schneider is a Professor of Economic History at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he has worked since 2015. He serves as Co-Director of the LSE Historical Economic Demography (HED) Group and is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR). His research focuses on health and historical economic demography, including children’s health and growth, early life health outcomes, and fertility differentials in early modern England. He holds a BA in History from the University of Puget Sound, an MPhil in Economic and Social History from the University of Oxford, and a PhD from Nuffield College (Oxford). His research spans topics such as child stunting, nutritional status, and the long-run effects of historical health shocks. Notable projects include analyzing child growth patterns across global contexts and studying the impact of the Second World War on Japanese children’s health. His work frequently employs interdisciplinary approaches, combining historical data with demographic and economic methodologies. Recent publications include studies on smallpox case fatality rates, child health in London’s Foundling Hospital, and the effects of war-induced nutritional stress in Japan. His articles frequently appear in journals like the Journal of Economic Surveys , Population and Development Review , and Explorations in Economic History . Dr. Schneider is involved in academic networks such as the London Universities Population Seminar and teaches courses on economic history, health history, and population dynamics. His work contributes to understanding how historical health and demographic trends shape long-term economic growth and societal development.
Dr. Samira Lakhal-Littleton is an Associate Professor of Cell Physiology and MRC Senior Non-Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, affiliated with the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics and Brasenose College. Her research focuses on iron homeostasis, systems biology, and oxygen sensing mechanisms in cardiovascular and systemic physiology. Education: BSc in Human Genetics (University College London), DPhil in Molecular Medicine (University of Oxford) Her work bridges cell physiology and translational medicine, with key discoveries on hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), iron regulatory genes TMPRSS6 and GDF15 , and the role of hepcidin in altitude adaptation and chronic diseases. She utilizes tissue-specific animal models to study iron regulation in heart, kidney, placenta, and vasculature. Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding: FLASH radiotherapy effects linked to iron-dependent lipid peroxidation Clinical implications of myocardial iron dynamics in heart failure Hepcidin's role in vascular protection and placental iron transfer Biomarker development for predictive iron deficiency diagnostics Scientific Leadership: British Heart Foundation Intermediate Fellowship (2012) MRC Senior Fellowship (2020) BioIron Society Board Member (2019) She collaborates with clinical teams on translational projects and serves as a Tutorial Fellow in Medicine at Brasenose College, mentoring students in physiological sciences.
Nancy M. Wells is a Professor in the Department of Human Centered Design and serves as the Senior Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University. Her work bridges environmental psychology and public health, examining how built and natural environments impact human health and behavior across the lifespan. Dr. Wells received a joint PhD in Psychology and Architecture from the University of Michigan and completed National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) post-doctoral training at the University of California, Irvine. Her educational background uniquely positions her to investigate the intersection of physical environments and human wellbeing through both psychological and architectural lenses. Her research focuses on how environmental contexts—from homes to neighborhoods to schools—affect health outcomes, cognitive functioning, and resilience. A central theme examines nature's role in human resilience, particularly how natural environments buffer against adversity and challenge. She has conducted influential work on school gardens and their effects on children's physical activity, dietary habits, and learning. More recently, she has pioneered research on nature and autism, conducting a randomized controlled trial examining natural environments' effects on autistic youth wellbeing. Analysis of Dr. Wells' recent publications reveals consistent focus on nature's health benefits, with strong emphasis on experimental methodologies including randomized controlled trials and natural experiments. Her work spans environmental psychology, public health, and education, with particular attention to vulnerable populations including low-income communities and children of color. NSF Funding for environmental health research USDA Funding for school garden studies Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Funding MacArthur Foundation Funding Senior Associate Editor of Environment and Behavior (4 years) Research Advisory Board of Children and Nature Network Board of Directors for reDirect Dr. Wells actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students through the Wells Lab, involving them in all research stages from data collection to publication. Her research has been supported by multiple significant grants examining housing quality effects on mental health, neighborhood design impacts on physical activity, and school garden interventions. She leads interdisciplinary research teams that integrate perspectives from environmental psychology, public health, landscape architecture, and education. The Wells Lab operates as an integrated research-teaching-outreach unit that develops practical yet rigorous studies to assess causal relations between environment and health, creates valid measurement tools, and identifies causal pathways. Current projects include examining nature's effects on autistic youth wellbeing in partnership with The Center for Discovery in New York, and investigating multi-sensory design in urban public spaces.
Natalie H. Brito is an Associate Professor of Applied Psychology at New York University (NYU), affiliated with the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Her research focuses on how early social and cultural contexts shape neurocognitive development in infants and toddlers, particularly in areas of attention, memory, and socio-emotional skills. Prior to NYU, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center and was a Robert Wood Johnson Health and Society Scholar. Dr. Brito’s work bridges developmental psychology, neuroscience, and public policy, emphasizing the need for equitable environments that support healthy child development. She has received prestigious awards such as the APS Rising Star Award and NIH grants, reflecting her impactful contributions to understanding developmental trajectories. Her research also extends to policy implications, such as the effects of paid maternal leave on infant brain function and the role of structural inequities in maternal mental health. Key themes include early life stress, gut microbiome influences, and the neurobiological underpinnings of cognitive development. Dr. Brito has published extensively in journals like Child Development , Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience , and JAMA Psychiatry , with a focus on innovative methodologies (e.g., the OWLET gaze-tracking tool). She teaches courses on developmental psychology and the principles of applied psychology, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to human development. Her scientific accolades include recognition from the International Society of Developmental Psychobiology and the American Psychological Association, underscoring her leadership in advancing developmental science and equity-focused research.
Jennifer S. Thaler is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis (1999) and a B.A. from Wellesley College (1993). Her research focuses on tri-trophic interactions between plants, herbivores, and predators, with an emphasis on chemical ecology, plant defense mechanisms, and pest control strategies. She teaches courses such as Chemical Ecology and Insect Ecology, and her work bridges fundamental ecological theory with applied agricultural challenges. Dr. Thaler’s research investigates how plant traits, predator presence, and nutritional states influence herbivore behavior and population dynamics. Notable projects include studying non-consumptive predator effects, plant genotypic diversity’s impact on herbivores, and the evolutionary potential of antipredator plasticity. Her publications span journals like Ecology , Oecologia , and Proceedings of the Royal Society B . Her scientific contributions include winning the 2nd place Elton Prize (2015) for research on predator effects on aphids. She actively engages in departmental initiatives, including the Graduate Program and the Plant-Insect Interactions Seminar. Affiliated with the Cornell Stable Isotope Laboratory, she contributes to interdisciplinary efforts in ecological research and education.
Kristin Bernard, Ph.D. (University of Delaware, 2013), is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at Stony Brook University’s Department of Psychology. Her research focuses on the neurobiological consequences of early adversity, parent-child relationships, and the efficacy of early parenting interventions such as Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC). She collaborates with Power of Two, a NYC-based nonprofit, and leads the Developmental Stress and Prevention Lab. Current grants include studies on epigenomics, maternal attachment representation, and community-based ABC interventions. Dr. Bernard’s work bridges clinical and developmental psychology, emphasizing prevention science and translational research. Education: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Delaware, 2013. Research Interests: Child maltreatment, neurobiological impacts of early adversity, parenting interventions, psychobiology of attachment, and intervention efficacy. Her lab investigates mechanisms linking caregiving quality to child outcomes, including cortisol regulation, brain development, and behavioral compliance. Lab & Partnerships: Directs the Developmental Stress and Prevention Lab, focusing on high-risk populations. Collaborations include Power of Two for ABC implementation and NYC agencies like the Administration for Children’s Services. Current projects explore neighborhood influences on parenting (Geography of Parenting Study) and neural correlates of parenting behavior (SNAP study). Grants & Funding: Principal Investigator on NIH-funded projects (R03 HD099372, R01 MH119310) and co-PI on Stony Brook’s seed grants. Projects examine accelerated aging biomarkers and intervention effectiveness in community settings. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles and a co-authored book on ABC interventions. High-impact journals include Psychoneuroendocrinology , Development and Psychopathology , and Child Development .
Deborah Fox is Associate Professor in Midwifery at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Faculty of Health, and a core member of the Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health. She serves as Co-lead of the Maridulu Budyari Gumal SPHERE Maternal and Women's Clinical Theme and Chair of the National Publicly Funded Homebirth Consortium. In 2024, she received the Faculty of Health Dean's Academic Excellence Award for Research (Mid Career Researcher), following her 2021 award as Highest Performing Early Career Researcher from the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Her research focuses on optimizing physiological processes and positive experiences for women with complex pregnancies, with particular emphasis on the mediation of technology in midwifery practice. Current projects include evaluation of non-invasive fetal ECG beltless and wireless fetal monitoring in labor and birth, and examining the social, economic and environmental impacts of telemonitoring and telehealth in pregnancy and postpartum care. Dr. Fox's scholarly work demonstrates consistent focus on technology's role in maternity care, women's experiences of monitoring during labor, and innovative approaches to midwifery practice. Her recent publications show increasing emphasis on digital health solutions, AI applications in women's health, and pandemic impacts on maternal care systems globally. Faculty of Health Dean's Academic Excellence Award for Research (Mid Career Researcher) 2024 Highest Performing Early Career Researcher award from School of Nursing and Midwifery 2021 Editorial Board Member, Women and Birth journal Dr. Fox is actively involved in higher degree research supervision and has developed innovative teaching resources, including an Objective Structured Clinical Examination for perinatal mental healthcare. She is scheduled to spend three months as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Oxford in 2025.
Jae Eun Chung is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Howard University's School of Communications. Her research focuses on new media technologies, their psychosocial impacts, and health communication, with a particular emphasis on community engagement and digital discourse. Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Southern California M.A. in Telecommunications from Indiana University at Bloomington Dr. Chung's work explores the intersection of social media and health, analyzing how digital platforms influence public health perceptions, patient-doctor interactions, and health equity. She has published extensively in journals like Journal of Communication , Computers in Human Behavior , and Health Communication , often employing community-based participatory research (CBPR) to address disparities in asthma care, maternal health, and HPV-associated cancer awareness. Recent publications highlight trends in leveraging social media for health interventions, examining misinformation dynamics during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, and analyzing digital ecosystems. Her methodological approaches include network analysis, narrative studies, and assessments of digital engagement metrics. Howard University RCMI Grant: Enhancing recruitment of African-Americans and Hispanics in health research NSF HDR Grant: Collaborative research on data analytics for community enrichment PACRI Grant: Improving health outcomes for asthmatic children in public housing Bezos Earth Fund: Indoor environmental quality disparities in underserved communities Dr. Chung collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, including public health experts and data scientists, to advance health communication strategies. She has mentored students and researchers in projects analyzing social media's role in health promotion, digital privacy, and community-academic partnerships.
Aleksander Madsen is a Researcher at the University of Oslo (UiO), affiliated with the Department of Sociology and Human Geography under the Faculty of Social Sciences. His primary research interests include social stratification, immigrant assimilation in labor markets, welfare state policies, and statistical methods. He holds a PhD from Oslo Metropolitan University and an MA from UiO. Education: PhD in Sociology, Centre for the Study of Professions, Oslo Metropolitan University (2014–2018) MA in Sociology, University of Oslo (2013) His research explores labor market integration of immigrants, gender disparities in male-dominated workplaces, and the impact of education-occupation mismatch on health outcomes. He has conducted longitudinal studies on long-term sickness absence and labor market trajectories using sequence analysis. Dr. Madsen has held postdoctoral and research positions at UiO and NIFU, and was a visiting scholar at Stanford University's SCANCOR (2024) funded by the Fulbright Foundation. His work spans interdisciplinary collaborations, including projects on workplace diversity, ethnic stratification, and policy evaluations. Awards: U.S. - Norway Fulbright Foundation Grant (2023–2024) His research group affiliations include the Social Inequalities and Population Dynamics team and the ORGMIGRANT project, investigating work organizations and immigrant assimilation. Recent publications address residential networks among immigrants, workplace ethnic diversity, and women’s attrition from male-dominated sectors.
Susan Bradley is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research at City St George's, University of London . Her work focuses on equitable access to maternity care in low-income contexts, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, using interdisciplinary approaches integrating postcolonial theory and organizational studies. Education: PhD in Health Services Research (2018), City, University of London MSc in Global Health (2007), Trinity College Dublin PGCE in Secondary Science (University of Reading) BSc (Hons) in Biology (University of Sussex) Professional Experience: Research Fellow at City St George's (2018–present) Researcher at Trinity College Dublin (2007–2014) Researcher/writer at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health (2010) Her research examines power dynamics, organizational culture, and community-based care models in maternal health. She has extensive fieldwork experience in Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique, specializing in qualitative data analysis and capacity-building initiatives. Recent publications focus on group antenatal care, respectful maternity practices, and health workforce dynamics in low-resource settings. Key findings from her work include: Community-making in group care enhances health literacy and belonging Socio-spatial dynamics influencing maternal care access Structural barriers affecting midwives' ability to provide quality care
Rachel Rudinger is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland, affiliated with the Department of Computer Science and the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS). Her research focuses on Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning, and AI ethics, particularly addressing sociocultural biases and fairness in large language models (LLMs). She holds a PhD from Johns Hopkins University (2019) and a B.S. from Yale University (2013). Rudinger's work explores equitable cultural alignment in AI systems, common ground misalignment in dialog systems, and the mutual influence of gender and occupation in LLMs. She received the NSF CAREER Award in 2024 for her project on robust, fair, and culturally aware commonsense reasoning. Her recent publications investigate empathy gaps in LLMs, synthetic data effectiveness in disaster response, and bias measurement techniques across domains. As an advisor, she guides seven PhD students including Christabel Acquaye and Haozhe An. Her research spans diverse topics from legal language analysis to maternal health question answering, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary AI ethics. She actively contributes to workshops on commonsense representation and serves as a reviewer for top conferences in NLP and AI.
