Prof. Stephan J. Sigrist is a Full Professor of Genetics at the Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin. His lab focuses on synaptic active zone architecture, neuroplasticity, and aging-related neurodegeneration. He leads the Collaborative Research Center 958 on Membrane Scaffolding and co-directs NeuroCure, a DFG Cluster of Excellence at Charité. Education: PhD in Molecular Genetics (1997) and Habilitation (2005) from the University of Göttingen. Positions: Einstein Professor (2014–present), Spokesperson CRC 958 (2012–present), and Co-Director NeuroCure (2009–present). Research explores presynaptic mechanisms using Drosophila and mouse models, combined with STED microscopy. Key contributions include discoveries of Bruchpilot's role in active zones and spermidine's protective effects against age-related synapse decline. Grants: Over €6 million in funding, including DFG CRCs, Einstein Foundation, and ERC Advanced Grant (2025). Awards: Einstein Professorship, Best Habilitation Award, EMBO/HFSP Fellowships. Collaborations span structural biology (e.g., Stefan Hell), neurophysiology (David DiGregorio), and aging research (Frank Madeo).
Andrea Mason is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on motor control, particularly in autism spectrum disorder, aging, and virtual environments. She holds the Conway Professorship of Kinesiology (2021) and has received the NSF Career Award (2004). Education: Ph.D. in Human Motor Systems from Simon Fraser University (under Dr. Christine MacKenzie). Her work examines bimanual coordination, gait analysis, and balance training. She leads a lab (visit lab webpage) and collaborates on projects involving robotic-assisted motor assessments and VR feedback for clinical populations. Key research themes include: Motor control in autism Age-related changes in locomotion and grasping Virtual environment interaction Developmental coordination disorders Recent studies explore gait variability in dual-task scenarios, sensory feedback effects in VR, and biofeedback-based balance training for children with autism. Her work bridges kinesiology, neuroscience, and clinical applications. Awards: Conway Professorship (2021), Best Paper (2013), NSF Career (2004) Lab: Accessible via dedicated webpage CV: Downloadable from her portal
Stephen Cobb is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His research focuses on ankle and foot mechanics during gait, particularly in relation to lower extremity injuries and rehabilitation. PhD in Sport Science, Georgia State University, 2005 MS in Sports Medicine, Georgia State University, 1999 BA in Sports Medicine, Messiah College, 1994 Cobb investigates pathoetiological factors and abnormal gait mechanics linked to foot and ankle pathologies such as plantar heel pain, chronic instability, and foot pain in older adults. His work aims to identify modifiable factors for injury prevention and treatment. Key publication trends include aging, injury rehabilitation, and kinematic analysis in clinical and sports contexts. Selected articles examine fall risk, running injury mechanics, and foot modeling. KIN 220 - Anatomical Kinesiology KIN 320 - Biomechanics KIN 520 - Introduction to Biomechanics Research KIN 590 - Biomechanics of Aging KIN 720 - Advanced Biomechanics Research Stephen Cobb leads the Neuromechanics Lab, advancing research on mobility and rehabilitation. No specific awards or advisees are detailed in the provided text.
Dr. Su Ryon Shin is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Engineering in Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in Cambridge, MA. She leads an active research laboratory focused on bioengineering, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, with particular expertise in 3D bioprinting, biomaterials, and organ-on-a-chip technology. Her research interests span biohybrid robotics, decellularized extracellular matrix, stem cell-based tissue engineering, and volumetric muscle regeneration . Dr. Shin's work integrates advanced biomaterials with cellular systems to create innovative solutions for tissue regeneration and disease modeling. She has pioneered approaches using human stem cell-derived materials for volumetric tissue regeneration and developed biohybrid neuromuscular robots powered by living cardiac muscle cells. Her publication record demonstrates consistent productivity with over 180 publications, including numerous first/senior author papers in high-impact journals like Science Robotics, Advanced Materials, and Nature Reviews Bioengineering . Her work shows a clear progression from fundamental biomaterials development to increasingly complex tissue engineering applications and translational research. Dr. Shin has received significant recognition including being named a 2025 BWH Health & Technology Innovation Awardee , Highly Cited Researcher 2024 by Web of Science, and multiple Stepping Strong Innovator Awards (2015, 2018, 2020). Her research has been featured in Nature Reviews Bioengineering for breakthrough work on biohybrid robots. She actively mentors students and postdocs, with former lab members accepted to prestigious programs like MIT's PhD program in Chemical Engineering. Her collaborative approach is evident through numerous interdisciplinary projects with researchers across Harvard Medical School, BWH, and international institutions.
Carolynn Patten is a Professor in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior at the University of California, Davis, with affiliations in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Her work bridges neuroscience, biomechanics, and clinical rehabilitation to advance neurorehabilitation for individuals with motor impairments. Research Interests: Dr. Patten's research investigates the neural basis of human movement, focusing on motor dysfunction in aging and neurological conditions such as stroke. She employs transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), EEG, EMG, biomechanical analysis, and clinical assessments to study motor recovery mechanisms and neuroplasticity. Her work aims to develop biomarkers of recovery and improve rehabilitation efficacy. Publication Trends: Recent publications emphasize computational modeling of musculoskeletal systems, gait analysis post-stroke, and assessment tools for locomotor efficacy. These works reflect a strong trend toward integrating engineering, neuroscience, and clinical practice to enhance rehabilitation outcomes. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While specific students and grants are not mentioned, her active publication record suggests ongoing mentorship and externally funded research in neurorehabilitation and translational neuroscience. Labs and Teams: Her research involves interdisciplinary collaboration across neuroscience, bioengineering, and rehabilitation medicine, likely within UC Davis research centers focused on movement disorders and neurorecovery.
Jessica E. Treisman is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Department of Ophthalmology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Her research focuses on developmental genetics and molecular neuroscience, particularly in the context of visual system development and synapse formation in Drosophila . Research Interests: Cell fate determination, tissue morphogenesis, neural circuit assembly, and corneal lens development Contact: Jessica.Treisman@nyulangone.org | 212-263-1031 Lab: Treisman Lab, Skirball Institute, New York, NY Her work explores how intrinsic transcription factors and extrinsic signaling pathways interact to regulate cell differentiation and tissue organization in the Drosophila visual system, with implications for understanding human corneal development and neural connectivity disorders. Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding: Molecular mechanisms of corneal lens curvature formation Regulation of synaptic targeting specificity Role of Sidekick in epithelial junction dynamics Transcriptional synergy between Glass and EGFR signaling The Treisman Lab employs interdisciplinary approaches in Drosophila genetics to uncover fundamental principles of cell signaling and neural circuit development, with potential applications in human vision research and developmental disorders.
Greg Haff is a Professor of Strength and Conditioning and Director of the Strength and Power Research Group at Edith Cowan University's School of Medical and Health Sciences. He holds a PhD from the United States (1999) and has extensive experience in strength and conditioning research, education, and professional practice. His work focuses on neuromuscular adaptations, training theory, velocity-based training methods, and recovery strategies. Haff has received numerous awards, including the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Impact Award (2021) and the UK Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year (2014). Affiliations: ECU School of Medical and Health Sciences, Strength and Power Research Group Education: PhD (1999), MS (1996), BS (1993) in Physical Education from the United States. Research Interests: Haff’s research explores optimal training methodologies, including periodization, eccentric loading, and velocity-based resistance training. He investigates how neuromuscular adaptations enhance athletic performance and reduce injury risk. His work spans sports science, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. Publications & Awards: Over 270 scientific papers, 9 books, and 28 book chapters. Notable awards include the William J. Kraemer Sport Scientist of the Year (2011) and the NSCA Young Investigator Award (2001). His research has been cited over 9,000 times (Scopus h-index 53). Grants & Labs: Leads the Strength and Power Research Group, focusing on applied strength training and performance optimization. Research spans athlete development, recovery strategies, and injury prevention.
Kuo-Fen Lee, PhD is a Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, holding the prestigious Helen McLoraine Chair of Molecular Neurobiology. He leads the Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, where his research focuses on nerve regeneration, spinal cord injury, and molecular mechanisms underlying neural development and neurodegenerative diseases. His work bridges basic neuroscience with potential therapeutic applications for conditions like ALS, paralysis, and Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Lee received his educational training from multiple prestigious institutions: a degree in Plant Pathology from National Taiwan University; an MS in Cancer Enzymology and Cell Differentiation from National Yang-Ming Medical College, Taiwan; a PhD in Endocrinology from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston; and completed his postdoctoral training at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. His primary research interests center on understanding why humans cannot regenerate damaged nerves while many other animals can. Dr. Lee has made significant discoveries regarding the p45 protein, which promotes nerve regrowth in mice but is absent in humans (who instead have p75, which inhibits nerve growth). His laboratory also studies neuregulin signaling, neuromuscular synapse formation, and the role of various proteins like nestin in neural development and maintenance. His work often employs mouse models to investigate spinal cord injury, pain pathways, and neurodegenerative conditions. Analysis of Dr. Lee's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on molecular neurobiology with particular emphasis on neural signaling pathways, synaptic maintenance, and nerve regeneration mechanisms. His research spans from basic molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications, with increasing attention to pain pathways, Alzheimer's disease models, and the intersection of neuroscience with immunology and metabolism in recent years. As holder of the Helen McLoraine Chair of Molecular Neurobiology, Dr. Lee has received significant institutional recognition for his contributions to neuroscience. While specific awards aren't detailed in the provided text, his sustained funding and leadership position indicate substantial peer recognition in his field. Dr. Lee's research program involves extensive collaboration with other neuroscience laboratories, as evidenced by his numerous co-authored publications across various neuroscience subdisciplines. His work has been consistently funded, allowing for the maintenance of an active research laboratory focused on nerve regeneration and molecular neurobiology. The Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology serves as the primary research environment for Dr. Lee's team, where they investigate molecular mechanisms of nerve development, regeneration, and degeneration using advanced genetic, molecular, and cellular approaches. The laboratory maintains active research programs in multiple areas of neural signaling and development.
Rick T. Dobrowsky is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. He also serves as Director of the Graduate Program in Neuroscience. His research focuses on diabetic neuropathy and molecular chaperones, exploring how hyperglycemia impacts neurotrophin signaling and mitochondrial function in peripheral nerves. Education: Ph.D. in Pharmacology, North Carolina State University (1990) Postdoctoral Training at Duke University Medical Center (1995) Research Interests: His work examines molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic neuropathy, including neuregulin signaling, mitochondrial proteome changes, and the role of molecular chaperones like Hsp70 and Hsp90. Current projects investigate how hyperglycemia alters IGF-1 signaling and neuregulinism to drive neuropathic damage. Publications: Recent work highlights therapies targeting molecular chaperones to treat diabetic neuropathy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, including cemdomespib and noviomimetic compounds. Key findings include improved mitochondrial function and reduced demyelination in animal models. Advising & Grants: He has advised students like Sukhmanjit Kaur and Yssa Rodriguez. His lab collaborates on NIH-funded projects exploring mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetes and molecular chaperone-based therapies. Labs: Director of the Dobrowsky Lab, which studies signaling pathways in nerve degeneration and develops novel therapeutic approaches for peripheral neuropathies.
Brad Sutton is a Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Technical Director of the Biomedical Imaging Center at Beckman Institute. He holds affiliate roles in the Neuroscience Program, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and is a Health Innovation Professor at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine. His roles also include fellowship positions with the National Center for Supercomputing Applications and the CZ Biohub Chicago. Education: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan (2003). Research Interests: Focus on advanced MRI techniques for structural and functional brain imaging, including diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic imaging, and neuromuscular coupling studies. His work emphasizes multi-scale bioimaging to understand brain function across interventions, aging, and disease. Publications: Over 180 peer-reviewed articles in 2025-2024 highlight innovations in MRI technology and applications in neuroscience, including breakthroughs in laminar fMRI specificity, myelin development modeling, and Alzheimer’s biomarker studies. Recent work extends to clinical applications like aortic imaging automation and mixed reality training tools. Awards: AIMBE and ISMRM Fellowships (2017/2024), Abel Bliss Scholar (2014-), and over 9 patents in imaging techniques. Labs & Teams: Leads the Magnetic Resonance Functional Imaging Lab. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across engineering, medicine, and computational science to advance imaging technologies and their clinical translation.
Dr. Andrew Erwin is an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati, focusing on robotics, human-robot interaction, and rehabilitation engineering. He holds a PhD and MS from Rice University (2018, 2014) and a BS from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (2012). Prior to UC, he was a postdoc at the University of Southern California and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. His research explores how forces and movements are executed in healthy individuals, and how robotic devices can assist or restore function post-injury. Key areas include rehabilitation robotics, bio-inspired systems, haptic interfaces, and motor learning. He has received prestigious awards such as the NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellowship (2018) and the IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics Best Paper Award (2017). Dr. Erwin’s work integrates biomechanics, control systems, and neurophysiology. His lab develops devices like the SE-AssessWrist for wrist assessment and explores planetary seismometers for space missions. He maintains an active Google Scholar profile with over 25 publications. Education: PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Rice University, 2018 MS, Mechanical Engineering, Rice University, 2014 BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2012 His current research emphasizes curriculum design for robotics learning, human-robot collaboration, and adaptive control systems. He offers a PhD position for Fall 2025 focusing on these areas.
Prof. Oliver Faude is a Professor and Researcher at the Department of Motor Performance & Biomechanics within the University of Basel's Department of Sport, Exercise and Health (DSBG). His research focuses on exercise physiology, sports medicine, and the application of physical activity in managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes. He supervises doctoral students, including Vivien Hohberg, whose work on telephone-based health coaching for diabetes patients was published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. Faude collaborates on projects such as the dbcoach intervention, funded by Innosuisse and health insurers, demonstrating how personalized coaching increases physical activity in diabetic populations. His work also extends to musculoskeletal imaging innovations, such as the UMUD web application for ultrasonography data access, and the PrepAir study addressing chemotherapy-induced sensory dysfunction in children. Faude's interdisciplinary approach integrates clinical research, biomechanics, and public health, with a particular emphasis on aging populations and pediatric oncology. He contributes to injury prevention strategies in sports like badminton and soccer, while advancing methodologies for muscle volume assessment via 3D ultrasound and MRI comparisons. Key Projects: dbcoach program, PrepAir study, musculoskeletal imaging tools, agility training for frailty prevention. Grants: Innosuisse, SwissLife Foundation, Voluntary Academic Society of Basel. Students: Vivien Hohberg (PhD). Labs/Teams: Motor Performance & Biomechanics lab, collaborations with Prof. Bart Roelands (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) on overtraining syndrome research.
Douglas Slobod, MD, FRCPC serves as an Investigator at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) at the Glen site, affiliated with the Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program within the Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE). He maintains dual roles as both a research scientist and clinical intensivist in the Critical Care Medicine Program at the McGill University Health Centre. Dr. Slobod's research program centers on cardiopulmonary interactions in critically ill patients, with particular emphasis on how mechanical ventilation impacts right ventricular function. His work spans physiological investigations of lung injury mechanisms and clinical development of personalized respiratory support strategies for patients with acute respiratory failure. This research has significant implications for optimizing mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) while minimizing cardiovascular compromise. Analysis of his publication record reveals a consistent trajectory of high-impact research in critical care physiology. Recent work demonstrates growing sophistication in monitoring techniques (including electrical impedance tomography and esophageal pressure monitoring) and a shift toward personalized ventilation approaches. His publications frequently address the complex interplay between respiratory mechanics and cardiovascular function, with particular attention to right ventricular performance during different ventilation strategies. Dr. Slobod maintains an active collaborative network with researchers across North America and Europe, contributing to both clinical trials and physiological investigations that address fundamental questions in mechanical ventilation. His work appears in premier journals including the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Critical Care, and Intensive Care Medicine. As a clinician-scientist, Dr. Slobod exemplifies the translational research model, directly connecting physiological insights from the laboratory to clinical practice at the bedside. His ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of how to optimize respiratory support while preserving cardiovascular function in critically ill patients.
Eadric Bressel is a Professor and Head of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science at Utah State University (USU). He holds a PhD in biomechanics from the University of Northern Colorado and earned his B.S. and M.S. in kinesiology from California State University, Fresno. Prior to joining USU in 2000, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the Auckland University of Technology's health and rehabilitation center. Education: PhD in Kinesiology (Biomechanics), University of Northern Colorado, 1999 MA in Kinesiology (Exercise Science), California State University, Fresno, 1995 BS in Kinesiology (Exercise Science), California State University, Fresno, 1994 Research Interests: Dr. Bressel focuses on biomechanical adaptations to therapeutic exercise in healthy and clinical populations. His work emphasizes spine stabilization exercises, determinants of balance, and aquatic rehabilitation strategies for conditions like osteoarthritis. Recent studies explore the efficacy of aquatic environments for improving motor learning, cognitive performance, and functional outcomes in older adults. Key Research Trends: His publications highlight the biomechanical benefits of aquatic training, including its impact on muscle function, postural control, and injury prevention. Cross-disciplinary studies integrate biomechanics with gerontology and sports medicine, addressing aging populations and athletic performance optimization. Awards: Excellence in Aquatic Physical Therapy Research Award (APTA Aquatic Section, 2016) Researcher of the Year (HPER Department, 2012) Employee of the Year (Kinesiology & Health Science Department, 2017) Top Professor Award (Mortar Board Senior Honor Society, 2004) Advising & Grants: Dr. Bressel has mentored over 40 graduate students, many of whom have contributed to studies on aquatic exercise, balance rehabilitation, and sports biomechanics. He has secured grants to investigate aquatic treadmill training for osteoarthritis, cognitive-aquatic interaction effects, and eccentric resistance protocols. Labs/Teams: His lab focuses on translational research integrating biomechanical analysis with clinical applications. Collaborations with institutions like the Auckland University of Technology and the American Physical Therapy Association highlight his commitment to bridging research and practice in aquatic therapy and sports science.
Associate Professor Susanna Park is an academic in Neuroscience at the School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney. She leads a research group investigating neuropathy and neuromuscular diseases, with a focus on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity. Her work emphasizes clinical assessment tools and axonal degeneration mechanisms. Park holds affiliations with the Brain and Mind Centre and the Faculty of Medicine and Health. Education: PhD from University of New South Wales (UNSW) Notable Fellowships: RG Menzies/NHMRC Overseas Biomedical Fellowship (2011–2014) Research Interests: Clinical neurophysiology, blood-based biomarkers, and motor neuron disorders. Her studies address nerve excitability, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and inflammatory neuropathies. Park’s translational work includes developing clinical tools for neuropathy assessment in cancer patients. Publications focus on chemotherapy-induced neuropathy mechanisms, axonal degeneration, and biomarker discovery. Recent work explores electroacupuncture for neuropathy management and plasma lipidomics in risk assessment. Awards: 2022 SUPRA Supervisor of the Year finalist, 2018 RD Wright Fellowship Labs/Teams: Brain and Mind Centre, collaborating with international consortia like the Toxic Neuropathy Consortium.
