Dr. Peter Worthy is a Lecturer in Human-Centred Computing at the University of Queensland's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His research focuses on designing technology that addresses accessibility, usability, and acceptability for vulnerable populations, particularly those living with dementia and post-stroke aphasia. He emphasizes co-design and participatory methodologies to ensure technologies align with users' intrinsic needs. Worthy holds a PhD from the University of Queensland (2020) and has conducted interdisciplinary work with speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and psychologists. His recent projects include the Florence Project, exploring advocacy technologies for dementia patients, and collaborations on telehealth interventions for anxiety management. His work integrates design theory with healthcare challenges, advocating for AI systems that prioritize human values. He is affiliated with the Queensland Aphasia Research Centre and the UQ Centre for Clinical Research, contributing to initiatives like Tech-CBT and the PDCogniCare project. Education: PhD (UQ), Master's (UQ), Bachelor of Applied Science (QUT), Law Degrees (QUT) Key Projects: Florence Project, Tech-CBT, PDCogniCare Labs/Teams: Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, UQ Centre for Clinical Research
Dr. Jennifer MacRitchie is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield's Department of Music, affiliated with the School of Languages, Arts and Societies. She holds an M.Eng in Electronics with Music from the University of Glasgow and a PhD in Science and Music Research from the same institution. Previously, she held roles at the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana and Western Sydney University as a Research Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow. Her research focuses on the intersection of music, technology, and health, particularly designing assistive technologies for older adults with dementia and their carers. Key collaborations include work with Prof. Renee Timmers, Prof. Luc de Witte, and Prof. Andrew McPherson. She co-supervises PhD students exploring topics like dementia-friendly musical interfaces and notation systems. Research interests span music performance neuroscience, technology-enhanced music education, and interdisciplinary methods combining engineering, psychology, and healthcare. Notable projects include the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship-funded initiative to develop new musical technologies for dementia care and the Active Minds Music Ensemble study. Grants include a £1.18M UKRI Fellowship and an Australian Research Council Discovery Project. Her work has appeared in journals like Alzheimer's & Dementia , Music & Science , and Frontiers in Psychology . Awards include prestigious fellowships and grants supporting her innovative research.
Andrew B. Nobel is the Robert Paul Ziff Distinguished Professor of Statistics and Operations Research and Professor of Biostatistics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). He holds affiliations with the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Computational Genomics Program. His research focuses on statistical genomics, machine learning, network analysis, and inference from dynamical systems. Nobel has collaborated extensively with researchers in Biology, Computer Science, Genetics, and Mathematics. Dr. Nobel earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University (1992), an MS from Stanford (1988), a Certificate of Study in Mathematics from Cambridge University (1986), and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University (1985). He has taught courses ranging from undergraduate discrete mathematics to advanced graduate-level theoretical statistics and machine learning. His research interests include developing methodologies for analyzing complex biological and network data, with applications to cancer genomics, systems biology, and medical informatics. Recent work emphasizes optimal transport methods for network analysis and statistical approaches for genomic data integration. Awards: Elected Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (2008) National Science Foundation CAREER Grant (1995) Beckman Institute Fellow (1992–1995) Churchill Scholar (1985–1986) Dr. Nobel serves on the editorial board of the Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series B and has previously contributed to the Annals of Statistics and IEEE Transactions on Information Theory . His work bridges theoretical statistical foundations with practical applications in public health and biomedical research.
Professor Viktor von Wyl is an Assistant Professor with Tenure Track for Digital and Mobile Health at the University of Zurich's Faculty of Medicine. He is affiliated with the Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care and serves as a DSI professor within the Digital Society Initiative. Since October 2023, he has been a member of the Directorate of the Swiss School of Public Health. He leads the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Registry at the Institute of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Prevention, which combines citizen science with digital health methodologies to improve MS care. He holds a PhD in Epidemiology from ETH Zurich (2008) and a Master’s in Biology from the University of Basel (2002). His professional career includes roles as a data manager for an HIV cohort in Washington, D.C. (2002–2004), an HIV epidemiologist at University Hospital Zurich (2004–2010) and University College London (2010–2011 with SNF support), and a Senior Researcher at the CSS-Institute in Luzern (2011–2014), focusing on end-of-life care and risk adjustment. His research interests prioritize digital epidemiology methodology, including the integration of digital data and citizen science. He explores text analysis via crowdsourcing, public trust in health systems, and factors influencing health behaviors, such as adherence to preventive measures during pandemics. His work addresses challenges in chronic disease management (e.g., MS) and musculoskeletal health through practice-based research networks (PBRNs), leveraging frameworks for interdisciplinary collaboration and implementation science. Scientific Awards: SNF Fellowship (2010–2011) SNF-funded Research at CSS Institute (2011–2014) His grants include SNF support for postdoctoral and CSS research. He co-leads the MAP-U and MAP-Z studies on mental health in conflict and displacement contexts. His advisory work involves the development of frameworks for clinician-patient engagement in PBRNs and the optimization of digital health study designs. He directs the Swiss MS Registry and chairs the Swiss Chiropractic Practice-based Research Network (Swiss ChiCo), advancing musculoskeletal primary care research. Viktor’s labs include the Swiss MS Registry and collaborations within the Institute of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Prevention. He co-founded the corona immunitas digital ecohort to study pandemic impacts and has pioneered the use of fitness trackers in neurorehabilitation studies through the BarKA-MS initiative.
Ken Barker is a Professor and Director of ISPIA at the University of Calgary's Department of Computer Science within the Faculty of Science. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta (1990) and has extensive experience in industrial computer systems and database design. His research focuses on distributed systems, data privacy/security, bioinformatics, and heterogeneous systems. He has served as Dean of the Faculty of Science, Department Head of Computer Science, and Past President of the Canadian Association of Computer Science (CACS/AIC). His work emphasizes privacy-preserving technologies, blockchain applications, and event understanding systems. Barker has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers across domains like transaction systems, spatial databases, and astro-informatics. He advocates for balancing data utility with privacy through frameworks like the Privacy Policy Permission Model. His contributions include the CHRONOS event prediction system and blockchain-based platforms for secure data storage.
Rachel Poretsky is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Her research focuses on microbial ecology, bacterial diversity, and community structure in natural and engineered environments, with a particular emphasis on aquatic systems. She explores functional diversity through metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to understand microbial responses to environmental changes. Dr. Poretsky's lab investigates how bacterial communities influence biogeochemical cycles and public health through wastewater surveillance and aquaculture studies. Education: PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Georgia, and a prior degree from Brandeis University. She is actively involved in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students through UIC's Biological Sciences program, offering opportunities in microbial ecology, bioinformatics, and molecular ecology. Her work bridges fundamental research with applied challenges in ecosystem and public health. Research Highlights: Key projects include studying microbial communities in marine, freshwater, and hospital wastewater systems, with publications on antimicrobial resistance genes, viral surveillance, and larval fish microbiomes. Her lab engages in collaborative efforts to develop tools for environmental health monitoring and sustainable aquaculture practices. Labs/Teams: Dr. Poretsky's Lab ( freshwaterlab.org ) focuses on freshwater systems and water stewardship. Grants & Funding: Her research is supported by grants addressing environmental microbiology and public health surveillance.
Dr. Hannah Carter is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), affiliated with the School of Medicine and the Department of Biomedical Informatics. She specializes in computational modeling of tumor genomics, focusing on how DNA mutations influence cellular processes and cancer development. Her research integrates high-dimensional genomic data to identify cancer drivers and improve precision medicine approaches. Education: MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering (University of Louisville, 2004), PhD in Biomedical Engineering (Johns Hopkins University, 2012). Research interests include cancer genomics, bioinformatics tool development, and the application of network approaches to oncology. Key projects include NIH-funded studies on tumor mutation stratification and immune surveillance disruption in cancer. Publications span computational methods for variant analysis (e.g., CHASM toolkit) and mechanistic studies linking genomic changes to cellular behavior. Her work has been recognized through awards like the NIH Early Independence Award (2013) and the Azrieli Global Scholar distinction (2017). Labs and affiliations include the Division of Biomedical Informatics and Division of Medical Genetics at UCSD. She leads collaborative initiatives on genomic variation impacts in pancreatic beta cells and cancer-immune interactions.
Dr. Kuo-Ting (Tim) Huang is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Computing and Information. His research focuses on digital/health inequalities and community-based technology interventions targeting marginalized groups, with a focus on immersive technologies like VR/AR to address health disparities. He holds a PhD in Media and Information from Michigan State University. Dr. Huang’s work examines how emerging digital divides exacerbate health literacy gaps and explores solutions using technologies such as virtual reality. He emphasizes designing interventions to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations, including older adults and racial minorities. His contact information includes timhuang@pitt.edu and an office at Room 616 in the Information Sciences Building. His research portfolio spans topics like telehealth adoption, AI literacy, and social media’s role in mental health. While no formal awards are listed, his work consistently addresses critical issues in health equity and technology access. Dr. Huang’s advising and grants are not explicitly detailed here, though his projects likely involve collaborations with healthcare and community organizations. He is affiliated with the School of Computing and Information’s broader initiatives in technology for social good.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Lengauer is a leading figure in computational biology and applied algorithmics at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics, part of the Max Planck Society in Saarbrücken, Germany. He heads the Department of Computational Biology and Applied Algorithmics, where he drives research at the intersection of computer science, genomics, and medicine. His work integrates algorithm development with biological applications, particularly in viral genomics, epigenetics, and personalized treatment prediction. Research Interests: His research focuses on computational methods for analyzing complex biological data. Key areas include HIV and hepatitis virus evolution, antiretroviral therapy outcome prediction, DNA methylation and epigenomic analysis, machine learning applications in medicine, and the integration of big data in biological research. He has made significant contributions to understanding viral drug resistance and host-pathogen interactions through computational modeling. The recent publications (2019–2025) reflect a strong trend toward integrating temporal genomic data, machine learning, and public health surveillance. His work spans from fundamental algorithm development (e.g., RnBeads, MeDeCom) to applied clinical research (e.g., dolutegravir resistance, SARS-CoV-2 interventions). Key domains include epigenomics , virology , machine learning in healthcare , and biological database systems , increasingly incorporating AI-driven approaches. Scientific Awards: No specific awards are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While no formal list of students is provided, Prof. Lengauer leads a large collaborative research group, evidenced by frequent co-authorship with researchers such as Walter, Bock, Müller, Kaiser, and Pirkl. He participates in major consortia (e.g., DEEP Consortium, Respiratory Virus Network), suggesting leadership in funded collaborative projects. His work is likely supported by Max Planck Society core funding and competitive third-party grants, though specific grants are not listed. Labs and Teams: He leads the Computational Biology and Applied Algorithmics group at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics. The team develops computational tools for epigenomic data analysis (e.g., RnBeads, DecompPipeline), viral resistance prediction, and public health modeling. The group collaborates extensively with clinical and biological researchers across Europe, functioning as a hub for interdisciplinary bioinformatics research.
Dag Svanæs is a Professor of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) at NTNU’s Department of Computer and Information Science. His research focuses on embodied interaction, emphasizing the physical, bodily, and social dimensions of human-computer interaction. He developed a usability laboratory for simulating multi-user, multi-device scenarios, particularly in healthcare contexts. His theoretical framework draws heavily from Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology, exploring how perception and action shape interaction. Education: PhD in HCI from NTNU (2000). His research areas include interaction design, user-centered methods, and healthcare IT systems design. Key projects include the UNITY-Things IoT framework and exergame development for balance training in seniors. Research Highlights: Svanæs pioneered participatory design methodologies in healthcare IT, emphasizing end-user involvement through role-play and prototyping. His work on pandemic policy critiques and lockdown strategies demonstrates interdisciplinary collaboration between HCI and public health. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles in venues like Computer Supported Cooperative Work , Frontiers in Computer Science , and IEEE Transactions . Recent work addresses exergame design, pandemic response systems, and embodied interaction theory. Grants & Labs: Built NTNU’s Health Informatics Usability and Design Lab. Collaborates with academic and healthcare institutions on projects like the NSEP (Norwegian Center for Electronic Patient Records).
Holly Munro is a Senior Research Scientist (Forest Biometrics and Ecology) at the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement and serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Forest Biometrics Education at the University of Georgia. She holds a Ph.D. in Forestry and Natural Resources from the University of Georgia, an M.S. in Data Science from the same institution, and a B.S. in Biology from the University of North Georgia. Her research focuses on forest biometrics, disturbance ecology, forest entomology, and the application of machine learning to ecological problems. Notable work includes developing predictive models for bark beetle outbreaks and studying the ecological impacts of invasive pests under climate change scenarios. She has contributed to interdisciplinary projects blending data science with traditional ecological methods. Munro’s publications span high-impact journals such as Forest Ecology and Management and Ecological Informatics , with a thematic focus on pest-behavior analysis, climate adaptation strategies, and forest health monitoring. Her work bridges theoretical ecology with practical management solutions for forest ecosystems. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided text. Her advising and grants information is currently unavailable, though her research collaborations suggest active involvement in funded projects. She is affiliated with the Department of Forest Biometrics Education at UGA and contributes to forest management initiatives through her dual roles in academia and industry.
Dr. Mary C. Schroeder is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, with an appointment in the Division of Health Services Research. Her expertise spans health economics, outcomes research, and healthcare quality improvement, with a focus on cancer and cardiovascular disease treatment decision-making. She holds a BS in Physics from Texas A&M University and a PhD in Economics from Emory University. Her research examines how information, incentives, and uncertainty influence treatment choices and population health outcomes. Key areas include cancer disparities, implementation science for rural healthcare networks, and optimizing cancer registry data utilization. Dr. Schroeder has contributed to projects like the Greater Plains Collaborative's PCORnet integration and rural cancer network development. Awarded the Collegiate Teacher of the Year, she actively engages in educational initiatives. Her recent work addresses geographic access to cancer care, body weight impacts on breast cancer treatment, and adherence to lung cancer screening protocols. Dr. Schroeder collaborates across disciplines to bridge gaps between clinical practice and policy, emphasizing real-world data applications. Her publications analyze disparities in HER2 testing, vitamin D's role in breast cancer outcomes, and the clinical significance of extramammary findings in breast MRI. She leads efforts to improve rural hospital accreditation through data-driven interventions and evaluates treatment disparities in neoadjuvant endocrine therapy responses among racial groups.
Thejal Srikumar, MD , is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology at Yale School of Medicine. She practices at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center in New Haven, specializing in gastrointestinal cancers, particularly in young adults and those with genetic predispositions. She is also affiliated with the Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers, the Early Onset Cancer Program, and the Smilow Cancer Genetics & Prevention Program. Education: MD from University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine; Executive MPH from Yale School of Public Health (Epidemiology & Health Informatics); Residency and Fellowship in Internal Medicine and Hematology/Oncology at Yale, where she served as Chief Resident and Chief Fellow. Her research focuses on gastrointestinal malignancies, early-onset cancers, and the intersection of cancer, obesity, and imaging biomarkers. She has published on topics including CT-based staging, visceral adiposity, and multimodal treatment for gastric cancer. Her work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration with colleagues in surgery, radiology, and public health. Recent publications highlight her dual commitment to clinical oncology and medical education. She has led initiatives on communication skills training, pharmacology curriculum development, and longitudinal wellness programs for hematology/oncology fellows, reflecting her role as Assistant Program Director of the fellowship program. Scientific Awards: No specific awards listed in the provided text. Dr. Srikumar is actively involved in mentoring and teaching, supervising fellows in clinical and didactic settings. She contributes to curriculum development and professional development initiatives. Her work bridges clinical care, research, and education, with a strong emphasis on improving outcomes for high-risk cancer populations and enhancing training for future oncologists. Labs and Teams: She collaborates with the Breast Medical Oncology Group and other oncology research teams at Yale, though she does not lead a standalone lab. Her work is embedded within the clinical and educational infrastructure of the Hematology/Oncology division.
Lizbeth Olivia Escobedo Bravo is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University, where she conducts research at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction, Ubiquitous Computing, and Cognitive Assistive Technology. Her work focuses on developing and evaluating technology to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations, particularly children with autism, pregnant women, and individuals with cognitive disabilities. Her educational background includes a BS and PhD from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), an MSc from Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), and a postdoctoral fellowship in Biomedical Informatics at UC San Diego. BS – Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC) PhD – Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC) MSc – Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE) Postdoc – University of California, San Diego (Biomedical Informatics) Her research interests include Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Ubiquitous Computing, Cognitive Assistive Technology (CAT), Mobile Technologies, Accessible Computing, and Children-Computer Interaction. She emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration across computer science, psychology, education, medicine, and design. The 15 most recent articles reflect a consistent focus on assistive technologies for neurodevelopmental and cognitive challenges. Key themes include early detection of developmental delays (ActEarly), handwriting assessment (PenSando), autism support (MOBIS, MOSOCO, FarmerKeeper, SATORI), maternal health (PREGO), and ADHD assistance (SmarTasko). These works span mobile, augmented reality, and sensor-based systems, with strong emphasis on usability, accessibility, and real-world deployment across diverse cultural and economic contexts. Scientific contributions and recognitions include: Active research leadership in multiple assistive technology projects Interdisciplinary collaborations with institutions such as Georgia Tech, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, MSU, Chapman University, and CREATE-NET Industry partnerships with IMSS, Pasitos A.C., ClubLia Kinder, EdNinja Inc., and others Focus on technology for social good and inclusive design She is actively involved in mentoring and advising, currently recruiting PhD and Master’s students for her research group. Her work has been supported through academic and industry collaborations, though specific grants are not listed. She previously worked in the software industry as a project manager and COO, bringing leadership experience to her academic role. Lizbeth leads a dynamic research lab focused on developing and deploying accessible, user-centered technologies. Her team works on projects such as ActEarly, PenSando, and SATORI, often involving cross-border studies and community engagement. The lab emphasizes real-world impact, ethical design, and scalability of solutions, particularly for underserved populations in Latin America and North America.
Dr. Claudia Di Napoli is a researcher at the University of Reading specializing in climate-health interactions, with a focus on biometeorology and heat stress impacts. She serves as a key contributor to the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change , an international research collaboration tracking climate-health indicators across 44 organizations. Her work bridges meteorological science and public health through operational climate services development. Her research centers on thermal comfort indices , heat stress epidemiology , and climate reanalysis applications for health protection. Notable contributions include developing the ERA5-HEAT global dataset and Thermofeel open-source library for thermal stress assessment. She investigates regional vulnerabilities from Caribbean heatwaves to European mortality patterns, emphasizing urban environments and occupational exposure risks while advancing methodologies for climate service integration into health systems. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals three dominant trends: (1) operationalization of climate data for health decision-making through tools like Thermofeel; (2) rigorous validation of reanalysis models against health outcomes; and (3) exploration of compound hazards (e.g., heatwaves concurrent with wildfires or pandemics). Her work consistently addresses equity dimensions of climate vulnerability, with increasing focus on transboundary risks and Global South impacts. Dr. Di Napoli actively collaborates with the World Health Organization, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), and Global Heat Health Information Network. Her advisory role in the Lancet Countdown involves mentoring early-career researchers across 20+ countries and securing multi-institutional grants for climate-health monitoring systems. Recent projects include heatwave forecasting during the COVID-19 pandemic and Caribbean climate vulnerability assessments funded by UK Research and Innovation. She co-leads the University of Reading's climate-health analytics team within the European Climate Assessment & Dataset (ECA&D) initiative, developing real-time thermal stress monitoring frameworks adopted by public health agencies in 12 countries. Her group maintains partnerships with the International Society of Biometeorology and WHO's Global Heat Health Information Network for operational tool deployment.
