Liv Miller is an Associate Professor at the West Virginia University School of Medicine , affiliated with the Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry , Department of Neuroscience , and Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute . Her work spans clinical neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, and medical education.
Zhan Liu is a Professor of Physical Education at Springfield College, affiliated with the Department of Physical Education and Health Education under the School of Physical Education, Performance and Sport Leadership. He has been teaching at the institution since 1999. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Motor Behavior), University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 1993 Master of Arts (Motor Learning), Ball State University, 1990 Bachelor of Arts (Physical Education), Wuhan Institute of Physical Education, China, 1982 Research Interests: Motor learning and control, assessment of physical fitness/motor skills/sport performance, development of children's fundamental motor skills and brain functions, neuromuscular control in sport performance training, and prevention/rehabilitation of sport-related injuries. Publications and Presentations: Authored two books and over 80 research articles/abstracts, with presentations at more than 120 international, national, and regional conferences. Scientific Awards and Memberships: Functional Movement Screening (FMS) Levels I & II Certification Former President of ICSPAH Former Executive Board Member of IASPYC External Reviewer, The Education University of Hong Kong Advisor to Team China Office, Chinese Olympic Committee Member of SHAPE America Editorial Board Member, China Sport Science
Professor David Lubans, a renowned expert at the University of Newcastle's School of Education , leads groundbreaking research on school-based physical activity interventions. With over $30 million in competitive grants and recognition as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher for five consecutive years, he focuses on combating youth physical inactivity through behavioral science and socio-ecological models. His work includes large-scale programs like iPLAY (135 NSW schools) and Burn 2 Learn, utilizing MRI to study brain-body connections. Co-Director, Centre for Active Living and Learning Visiting Professor, University of Jyväskylä Research interests span physical activity promotion , mental health impacts , and teacher training programs . His team develops evidence-based interventions using SAAFE teaching principles (Supportive, Active, Autonomous, Fair, Enjoyable) and investigates neurobiological mechanisms linking fitness to cognitive outcomes. Key publications reveal associations between childhood lifestyle behaviors and adolescent mental health, HIIT implementation strategies, and mediators of school-based interventions. Awards include College Excellence Awards, NHMRC Fellowships, and multiple best paper honors. Supervised 40+ interventions Published >350 peer-reviewed articles Trained teachers globally through programs like iPLAY Collaborations extend to institutions in Australia , Canada , Hong Kong , and Finland , with current studies examining stress-reactivity and cognitive outcomes via MRI.
Chris Brace is a Professor of Automotive Propulsion and Deputy Director of the Powertrain Vehicle Research Centre at the University of Bath. His work focuses on advanced measurement, analysis, and control of multi-cylinder engine systems under dynamic conditions, with extensive collaboration with industry leaders like Ford Motor Company and Jaguar LandRover. He contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in sustainable mobility and low-emission propulsion systems. Education : Sandwich degree at University of Bath (1990), PhD (1996). Research interests encompass powertrain systems , internal combustion engines , hybrid electric vehicles , battery technology , and low-emission propulsion . His projects integrate nonlinear control systems, fault-tolerant designs, and data-driven validation architectures. Recent publications highlight advancements in emission control algorithms, adaptive critic networks for rotary engines, fault-tolerant motor control, and battery parameter modeling. These works reflect trends in automotive electrification , hybrid systems , and environmental sustainability . Supervision : Supervised PhD research on hybrid electric vehicle control strategies (Christopher Vagg, 2015). Grants & Projects include Innovate UK-funded initiatives like Battery Integrated Wing (2025–2028) and EPSRC-supported JLR Prosperity Partnership (2021–2026). He also leads the IAAPS Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems. Key Collaborations : Ford Motor Company, Jaguar LandRover, West of England Combined Authority.
Peyman Mirtaheri is a Professor at the Department of Mechanical, Electronics and Chemistry (MEK) under the Faculty of Technology, Art and Design at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet). He also holds an Adjunct Professor position at the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering at Michigan Technological University, USA. His primary role involves teaching courses such as Medical Sensors and Actuators (ACIT4720) and the upcoming BioInspired Systems (fall 2025). Research Interests: Professor Mirtaheri leads the ADEPT lab (ADvanced hEalth intelligence and brain-insPired Technologies) and ADEPT_technology, focusing on: Developing measurement techniques for brain activity detection and analysis Applying fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy) and EEG (electroencephalography) to study movement, balance, and cerebral cortex activity Advancing bio-inspired systems and health technology Key Projects: His active research includes Use of 3D printers in future rehabilitation (knowledge-based and patient-centered solutions) and completed work on Brain activity during walking and balance . Labs & Collaborations: He integrates his optical/NIRS laboratory into OsloMet's ADEPT lab, collaborating with institutions like Michigan Technological University and contributing to global conferences such as the IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems and the ISPO World Congress .
Ravin Balakrishnan is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, where he co-directs the Dynamic Graphics Project (DGP) laboratory. He served as department chair from 2015-2019 and holds a Canada Research Chair in Human-Computer Interaction. His research focuses on developing novel interaction techniques for emerging technologies. His primary research interests include: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with emphasis on gesture recognition and tangible interfaces Interactive computer graphics and 3D interaction techniques Information and communications technology for developing regions Novel input devices and interaction paradigms for VR/AR systems Balakrishnan's recent publications demonstrate strong focus on multimodal interaction systems, with recurring themes in haptic feedback, gesture-based controls, VR/AR interfaces, and mobile interaction techniques. His work frequently bridges theoretical models with practical applications in real-world systems. His significant honors include: Elected to ACM CHI Academy (2011) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (2007) Canadian Human Computer Communications Society Achievement Award (2020) Multiple best paper awards at top HCI conferences (CHI, UIST, CSCW) Balakrishnan has advised over 40 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, maintaining an active research group at the Dynamic Graphics Project lab. His work has been supported by grants from NSERC, SSHRC, and industrial partners, with research commercialized through several startups including Bump Technologies (acquired by Google). He collaborates internationally with research labs including Microsoft Research, INRIA, and Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, and has served as program chair for major conferences including ACM UIST and Graphics Interface.
Dr. Osama A. Mohammed is a Distinguished Professor and Associate Dean of Research at the College of Engineering and Computing, Florida International University (FIU), where he also serves as Director of the Energy Systems Research Laboratory (ESRL) in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He has been a faculty member since 1983 and is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in power systems, smart grids, and energy cyber-physical systems. His educational background includes: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Zagazig University, Egypt (1977) M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Virginia Tech (1981) Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Virginia Tech (1983) Dr. Mohammed's research is centered on advancing energy systems through innovation in power electronics, electric drives, computational electromagnetics, and smart grid technologies. He emphasizes real-world applications, student involvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His work bridges academia and industry, focusing on resilient, secure, and efficient energy infrastructure. His extensive publication record—over 750 papers—demonstrates a strong trend toward intelligent control, cybersecurity in energy systems, real-time simulation, and optimization of hybrid AC/DC microgrids. Many of his recent works integrate AI and machine learning for predictive maintenance, demand response, and digital twin applications in power systems. His scientific awards and recognitions include: Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (2022) IEEE Fellow (1996) ACES Fellow (2006) IEEE PES Cyril Veinott Award (2010) Multiple Best Paper Awards in IEEE Transactions Top 2% Scientist Worldwide (Stanford, 2020) Dr. Mohammed is a dedicated mentor, having supervised 34 PhD graduates and over 60 master’s students, many of whom now hold prestigious positions in academia and industry. He has secured over $30 million in research funding from DoE, ONR, NSF, and industry. His leadership extends to major multi-university consortia, including the $12.2M DoE SEEDS Center. He has developed key research labs at FIU, such as the Smart Grid Test-Bed and Power Electronics Laboratory, providing unparalleled hands-on experience for students.
Janet Zhang-Lea serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Physiology within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oregon. Her research centers on Motion analysis and Movement biomechanics , with significant contributions to understanding Motor learning and Motor control mechanisms. A key innovation in her work involves the development of Wearable sensor technology for real-time movement monitoring, bridging engineering and physiological applications in rehabilitation and performance enhancement. Dr. Zhang-Lea's interdisciplinary approach integrates biomechanics, sensor technology, and neural control systems, advancing methodologies for clinical and athletic movement analysis. Her current projects focus on translating laboratory findings into practical healthcare solutions through wearable device innovation. Contact: janz@uoregon.edu
Prof. Dr. Jan Kierfeld is a faculty member in the Department of Physics at Technical University of Dortmund, where he leads a research group focused on soft matter theory and biological physics. His work bridges statistical physics, mechanics, and hydrodynamics of soft and biological systems, with strong interdisciplinary connections to materials science and biophysics. His research interests include polymer physics , cytoskeletal filaments (actin and microtubules), elastic capsules and shells , active matter , and the development of novel simulation techniques such as event-chain Monte Carlo. He is particularly interested in how chemical energy (e.g., ATP/GTP hydrolysis) drives mechanical forces in biological systems, and in the mechanics of semiflexible polymer networks and microswimmers. His group also pioneers the application of machine learning to problems in soft matter, such as pendant drop tensiometry and traction force microscopy. The recent publications of Prof. Kierfeld span topics in biophysics, soft matter, and computational physics, showing a strong trend toward integrating theoretical modeling with experimental collaboration, especially in microswimmer dynamics, microtubule mechanics, and interfacial phenomena. His work frequently appears in journals such as Soft Matter , Physical Review , Biophysical Journal , and Nature Communications . He has no listed scientific awards in the provided text, but his active publication record and leadership in DFG programs (e.g., SPP1726 Microswimmers) indicate significant recognition in the field. He advises students and postdoctoral researchers in theoretical and computational soft matter physics, though specific names are not listed. His research is supported by grants from German funding agencies such as the DFG. Prof. Kierfeld’s group develops and applies advanced simulation methods and collaborates with experimentalists on problems involving elastic instabilities (buckling, wrinkling), microswimmers , and chemomechanical models of cellular structures. The group maintains strong technical development in numerical algorithms and data analysis tools, including open-source software like MLFTM for traction force microscopy.
Josep Solà Santesmases is a Researcher at the Department of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences and Sports Management, Faculty of Psychology, Educational Sciences and Sports Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llull. His research focuses on physical education, sport psychology, and the intersection of education and sports in secondary and higher education contexts. He has contributed to projects such as engAGE (intergenerational intervention using immersive technology), PROMISE (support for women in basketball), and SAFE (health and physical activity initiatives). His work examines topics like agility trends in adolescents, service-learning practices in vulnerable populations, and curriculum design for physical education. Collaborations include studies on muscle rehabilitation and tactical analysis in sports. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, with a focus on applying scientific methods to improve educational and athletic outcomes. Notable projects include leading studies on dual career management for high-level athletes and analyzing the transversality of educational content in physical education curricula. His research often bridges practical applications with theoretical frameworks in sports science and pedagogy.
Andrew J. Spence is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Temple University's College of Engineering, where he leads the Spence Lab focused on locomotor neuromechanics and spinal cord injury. His work integrates experimental biology, mathematical modeling, robotics, and molecular genetic tools to understand how animals move and how movement can be restored after injury. PhD in Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University Postdoctoral training at UC Berkeley with Bob Full and Eileen Hebets Former RCUK Fellow and faculty at the Royal Veterinary College, London Joined Temple University in 2013 His research interests center on the control of locomotion, gait analysis, spinal cord injury, neuroprosthetics, and the application of optogenetics and chemogenetics (DREADDs) in neuromuscular disorders. He also explores biomechanics in diverse species, from insects to racehorses, seeking general principles of movement. The 15 most recent publications reveal a strong trend toward integrating genetic tools with biomechanical analysis, particularly in rodent models of spinal cord injury. His work spans fundamental questions in animal locomotion and applied research in rehabilitation, with increasing emphasis on closed-loop systems, automated tracking, and neuromodulation. RCUK Tenure Track Research Fellowship W.M. Keck Foundation predoctoral fellowship Spence advises a multidisciplinary team of students and postdocs, collaborates with Professors Michel Lemay and George Smith on spinal cord injury projects, and leads NIH-funded research. His lab develops open-source tools for locomotion analysis and has contributed significantly to understanding stability, gait transitions, and sensory feedback in movement. He teaches courses in neuroengineering and biomechanics at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The Spence Lab is actively involved in developing neurogenetic interventions for spinal cord injury, studying gait adaptation in complex environments, and creating innovative instrumentation for neuromechanical research.
Kate M Chapman is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology within the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Arkansas. Her academic work bridges cognitive and comparative psychology, with a focus on motor planning and goal-directed behavior in humans and animals. Education: Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, 2013 M.S., Pennsylvania State University, 2010 B.A., New College of Florida, 2004 Her research investigates how adults, children, and nonhuman animals plan motor actions in anticipation of future goals, particularly during object manipulation and tool use. She explores cognitive planning across species, including primates such as lemurs and tamarins, examining evolutionary roots of motor behavior. She also contributes to pedagogical research in undergraduate psychology education. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in motor cognition, comparative psychology, and action planning. Her work frequently appears in high-impact journals such as Psychological Bulletin , Journal of Experimental Psychology , and Behavioral and Brain Sciences , emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches combining psychology, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While no students or grant funding are explicitly mentioned, Dr. Chapman is actively engaged in research and teaching. She mentors students through her research in comparative motor planning and contributes to academic development via her instruction in core psychology courses such as Research Methods, Cognitive Psychology, and Comparative Psychology. Labs and Teams: Though specific lab names or research teams are not mentioned, her research activities suggest involvement in cognitive and comparative psychology research groups at the University of Arkansas, likely collaborating with experts in motor behavior, animal cognition, and educational psychology.
Kyle Allen is a Professor at the University of Florida's Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, specializing in Biomedical Engineering. His research focuses on understanding how degenerative musculoskeletal diseases like osteoarthritis (OA) and intervertebral disc degeneration lead to chronic pain and disability. He employs rodent disease models and clinical studies in both veterinary and human patients to explore behavioral, molecular, and structural aspects of these conditions. Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering & Economics, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (2002) Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Rice University (2006) Post-doctoral Fellowship in Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University (2011) Research Interests: Dr. Allen’s lab develops novel behavioral assays, magnetic nanoparticle-based diagnostic tools, and tissue engineering strategies to improve osteoarthritis treatment and preclinical-to-clinical translation. His work intersects biomechanics, molecular biology, and neurophysiology to address unmet clinical needs in joint disease management. Publications: His recent work includes AI-driven gait analysis in equine and rodent models, nanoparticle-based therapies, and proteomic studies of disease mechanisms. Key trends include leveraging machine learning for phenotypic analysis and exploring nanotechnology for targeted drug delivery. Awards: UF Doctoral Mentoring Award (2022-2023) NIH K99/R00 Pathways to Independence Award (2014) J. Crayton Pruitt Family Term Fellow (2017-2020) Advising & Grants: While specific student names are not listed, Dr. Allen’s lab focuses on training interdisciplinary researchers. His grants support studies on neuroimmune interactions in pain and translational biomaterials development. He chairs the Young Investigator Subcommittee for the Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Labs/Teams: The Orthopaedic Biomedical Engineering Laboratory collaborates with veterinary and clinical partners to bridge basic science and clinical applications in musculoskeletal health.
Roger Barker is Professor of Clinical Neuroscience and Honorary Consultant in Neurology at the University of Cambridge and Addenbrooke's Hospital. He has held this position since 2000 following an MRC Clinician Scientist Fellowship. His primary affiliations are with the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Education includes: BA, Oxford University (1983) MBBS, University of London (1986) MRCP, London (1989) PhD, University of Cambridge (1994) Research focuses on neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson's (PD) and Huntington's diseases (HD). His work bridges basic science exploring novel therapies and clinical studies defining disease heterogeneity. Key initiatives include: Leading the STEM-PD stem cell trial for PD Coordinating the FELL-HD drug repurposing trial for HD Developing disease subtyping models for targeted therapies Collaborating on human brain development mapping for the Human Cell Atlas Research employs snRNA sequencing, post-mortem tissue analysis, and human fetal tissue studies to understand neurodegeneration and neurodevelopment. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong focus on: Translational applications of stem cell therapies for Parkinson's Genetic and biomarker studies of neurodegenerative progression Novel therapeutic mechanisms like noradrenergic modulation Advanced cellular modeling techniques including 3D reprogramming Current funding sources include Medical Research Council, Rosetrees Trust, EU, NIHR, Cure Parkinson's Trust, Novo Nordisk, and Wellcome. Lab members include Shaline Fazal (Research Manager), Xiaoling He (Senior Research Assistant), Saeed Kayhanian (Clinical Research Fellow), and Jana Šebestíková (Postgraduate Student). The lab is based at the John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair.
Mats Küssner is a Researcher at Humboldt University of Berlin's Department of Musicology, specializing in Transcultural Musicology and Historical Anthropology of Music. Previously, he held a Peter Sowerby Research Associate position at the Royal College of Music in London. He earned his doctorate from King's College London, focusing on cross-modal mappings between sound and visual forms. His work bridges music psychology, cognitive science, and cultural studies, emphasizing how music shapes human thought and emotion through multi-method approaches. Research interests include multimodal perception, music-induced mental imagery, 4E cognition (embodied/embedded/enactive/extended), and performance science. Notable awards include the Aubrey Hickman Award for music psychology research and a teaching excellence award. He teaches courses like 'Diversity in Berlin's Sound Scene' and 'Emotions in Music' at both BA and MA levels. His publications span over 40 peer-reviewed articles across journals like Music & Science , Psychomusicology , and Frontiers in Psychology , with a focus on visual-aural interplay, music cognition disorders (e.g., aphantasia), and cross-cultural performance dynamics. He co-edited the landmark volume Music and Mental Imagery (Routledge, 2022). Recent work explores environmental ecomusicology education and music's role in mitigating social isolation. Küssner leads projects on music-induced emotion prediction using cross-modal correspondences and is part of Berlin's interdisciplinary music psychology scene, collaborating with neuroscientists and cultural anthropologists. His lab employs eye-tracking, EEG, and behavioral experiments to study embodied music cognition processes.