Carina Mallard is Professor of Experimental Perinatal Brain Injury Research and Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Gothenburg since July 2023, where she oversees research infrastructure and chairs the Research Board. She previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (2021–2023) and Head of Core Facilities (2018–2021). Her academic career began with a Physiology degree from Lund University and a PhD in Pediatrics at the University of Auckland (1995), followed by a professorship appointment in 2006. Her research focuses on perinatal brain injury , particularly in premature infants , investigating neuroinflammatory mechanisms maternal dietary interventions neurovascular unit dynamics microglia activation long-term consequences of maternal obesity . Recent publications highlight her work on neonatal rodent models , transcriptomic profiling , and anti-inflammatory therapies . Key themes include RNA degradation , mitochondrial protection , and immune-neurovascular interactions . She has supervised 20 doctoral students since 2004 and collaborates internationally with institutions like King's College London. Contact details include two institutional emails and physical addresses across Gothenburg's biomedical campuses. Her leadership roles span research strategy, doctoral education, and EU-level scientific initiatives.
Margaret Bublitz is Associate Professor at Brown University with joint appointments in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior , Department of Medicine , and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology . She holds secondary appointments at the School of Public Health as Senior Investigator and Behavioral and Social Sciences faculty member. Dr. Bublitz earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology (2010) from the University of British Columbia, followed by postdoctoral training in Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine at Brown Medical School. Her research focuses on: Psychological stress pathways to adverse perinatal outcomes Maternal childhood maltreatment effects on neurobiology Mindfulness interventions for hypertension and preterm birth prevention Her 15 most recent publications demonstrate expertise in perinatal mental health , sleep-disordered breathing , HPA axis regulation , and fetal neurodevelopment , with significant collaborations in neuroendocrinology and maternal-infant health disparities . Scientific recognition includes: 2024-2025 Global Fulbright Scholarship 2022 Brown Early Career Research Achievement Award Multiple NIH and foundation grants exceeding $6 million Bublitz leads NIH-funded projects examining mechanisms of mindfulness training (R01HL157288) and serves as mentor in the MORPHE Trial for digital maternal health innovations. She is a licensed psychologist and active member of Brown's Stress, Trauma and Resilience (STAR) Institute and Mindfulness Center .
Professor Louis Schmidt is a leading academic in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University , with a research focus on developmental psychophysiology, temperament, and the long-term effects of early adversity. His work bridges neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral science, emphasizing the interplay between brain function and socio-emotional development across the lifespan. Key research themes: Shyness, social anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and outcomes of extremely low birth weight. Recognized for mentoring postdoctoral fellow Kristie Poole, who was celebrated as a role model in the Child Emotion Laboratory. Scientific Awards : Royal Society of Canada recognition for contributions to research and scholarship. Research Trends from 15 recent publications include: Neurophysiological mechanisms of shyness (EEG, ERP, RSA) Impact of antenatal corticosteroids on adult brain function Intergenerational effects of maternal mental health interventions Cross-cultural comparisons of temperamental shyness Developmental consequences of preterm birth Behavioral and neural correlates of social anxiety in diverse populations Grants & Collaborations : Led the SNACS randomized controlled trial on antenatal corticosteroids, with applications in obstetrics and developmental neuroscience. Collaborates extensively on topics like autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and emotion regulation. Labs & Teams : Directs the Child Emotion Laboratory at McMaster University, fostering interdisciplinary research on developmental psychopathology and neural mechanisms of temperament.
Gary M. Shaw is the Rosemarie Hess Professor and Professor (Research) at Stanford University , with courtesy appointments in the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health and Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology - Maternal Fetal Medicine . He serves as Co-PI of the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Stanford and PI of the California Center for Finding Causes and Preventives of Birth Defects . His research focuses on the Epidemiology of birth defects Gene-environment interactions in perinatal outcomes Nutritional factors in reproductive health . He has developed machine learning approaches for precision parenteral nutrition and predictive models for preterm birth, while investigating persistent metabolomic signatures following hypertensive pregnancy disorders. Shaw's recent work explores Climate change impacts on reproductive health Maternal-fetal immune interactions Epigenetic mechanisms in perinatal disease with applications of multiomics to neonatal intensive care units. As a member of Bio-X and the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute , he contributes to translational research networks while serving as Associate Editor for Birth Defects Research and American Journal of Medical Genetics . He supervises Med Scholar Project student Richard Liang Doctoral co-advisor for Saskia Comess and Richard Liang Master's advisor for Lenae Joe while leading the Division of Neonatology as Associate Chair for Clinical Research (2012-2025). His laboratory work integrates Metabolomic profiling Proteomic analysis Computational modeling Machine learning for biomedical data to advance neonatal care through precision medicine approaches.
Overview Catherine O'Neill Buck is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine. She is a neonatologist and clinical researcher focused on maternal metabolic health during pregnancy and its influence on infant growth, body composition, and neurodevelopment. Her work bridges clinical care and translational research, with a particular emphasis on preterm infants and obesity prevention. Education & Training MD: University of Connecticut School of Medicine BS: University of Connecticut (Molecular/Cell Biology and Spanish) Pediatric Residency: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (2015) Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship: Brown University/Women and Infants Hospital (2019) MHS (Clinical Investigation): Yale School of Medicine (2025) Research Focus Dr. Buck's research investigates how maternal metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes) and early neonatal nutrition affect preterm and term infants' growth trajectories, adiposity, and long-term cardiometabolic health. Key areas include: Adipokine and metabolite profiling in newborns Ultrasound-based body composition assessment in preterm infants Optimizing nutritional protocols for preterm growth Impact of maternal diabetes on neonatal morbidities Clinical Trial Principal Investigator for the trial Preventing Obesity in Preterm Infants (HIC ID 2000031084), exploring strategies to mitigate obesity risks in preterm populations. Labs/Teams Leads the Yale Neonatal NOuRISH Team , focusing on nutritional and metabolic interventions for neonates.
Lieselotte Ahnert serves as a Visiting Professor for Developmental Psychology at the Free University of Berlin's Department of Education and Psychology, specifically within the Department of Developmental Science and Applied Developmental Psychology. Her academic journey began at Humboldt University in East Berlin, where she studied psychology during a period of significant political change in the GDR. After completing her doctorate in 1982, she held various research positions including director of the Interdisciplinary Center for Applied Socialization Research (IZAS e.V.) from 1991-1996 and a visiting scientist position at the National Institutes of Health in Washington from 1996-1999. Prior to her current position at FU Berlin (since 2019), she was a Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Vienna from 2008-2019. Professor Ahnert's research focuses on early childhood development, attachment theory, and the specific contributions of fathers to child development. Her work examines how children develop within various caregiving contexts, including the transition from home to childcare settings, the effects of socioeconomic disadvantage on attachment security, and the unique role fathers play in children's language development and emotional regulation. She has conducted extensive research on stress responses in infants during childcare transitions and how care providers influence these responses. Her interdisciplinary approach draws from behavioral biology, genetics, neuroscience, pediatrics, and education to understand the complex interplay between genetic and environmental influences in early development. Ahnert's publication record demonstrates significant contributions to understanding father-child relationships, with recent work exploring how fathers' attachment security and education contribute to early child language skills beyond mothers' influence. Her research has also examined the 'terrible twos' phase, investigating how children cope with frustration and tantrums and how parents support them through these developmental challenges. She has published extensively in high-impact journals including Child Development, Developmental Psychobiology, and Attachment and Human Development. Professor Ahnert has received recognition for her expertise, including being commissioned to provide expertise for the Federal Chancellery of Austria in 2021. Her work has practical applications in early childhood education and intervention programs, particularly in understanding how public childcare can compensate for developmental risks in socioeconomically disadvantaged children. In addition to her research, Ahnert has made significant contributions to academic training and supervision. Her book publications, including 'It's the fathers who matter' (2023) and 'How much mother does a child need?' (2020), bridge the gap between academic research and public understanding of child development. Her work continues to influence both academic discourse and practical approaches to early childhood care and education.
Carmen Soto-Rivera is an Instructor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and holds dual directorships as Director of the Neuroendocrinology and Cancer Survivorship Program (NECS) and Director of the Growth Program. She is affiliated with Boston Children’s Hospital across three locations in Boston, Norwood, and Weymouth, Massachusetts. Her clinical expertise spans Growth Problems, Hypopituitarism, and Type 1 Diabetes, with programmatic leadership in Endocrinology and Neuroendocrinology. Dr. Soto-Rivera completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Puerto Rico (2003), medical degree from University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine (2007), and residency at University Pediatric Hospital, Puerto Rico, culminating as Chief Resident in 2011. She specialized in Pediatric Endocrinology via a fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital (2014). She is dually certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in both General Pediatrics and Endocrinology. Her research focuses on neonatal endocrine disorders, exemplified by a 2015 publication in Endocrine exploring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) dynamics in preterm infants. While no formal grants or awards are listed, her clinical and programmatic roles reflect significant contributions to pediatric endocrine care. She leads multidisciplinary teams across three clinical sites, though specific lab or team affiliations are not detailed. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she provides culturally competent care to diverse populations.
Saifuddin Ahmed, PhD, MBBS, is a Professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University. His primary department affiliation is Population, Family and Reproductive Health, with a joint role in Biostatistics. He is affiliated with the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health and the Hopkins Population Center. His research focuses on reproductive epidemiology, maternal mortality estimation, family planning, and complex population surveys. Key interests include reducing maternal mortality disparities, improving access to family planning services, and enhancing healthcare systems in low-resource settings. Dr. Ahmed’s work spans global health challenges, particularly in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. His projects address maternal and child health, neonatal care, and the integration of technology (e.g., mobile health surveys) into public health monitoring. He has authored over 200 publications, with recent contributions on maternal mortality frameworks, neonatal hypothermia management, and contraceptive equity. His research often bridges clinical practice and policy, aiming to translate evidence into actionable health strategies. Dr. Ahmed’s grants and collaborations involve international organizations and institutions, focusing on population health surveillance and intervention efficacy. He actively participates in global initiatives to address gaps in maternal healthcare and improve birth outcomes.
Dr. Steven P. Miller is a Professor and Head of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine. He also serves as the Chief of Pediatric Medicine at BC Children's Hospital & Sunny Hill Health Centre under the Provincial Health Services Authority. Additionally, he holds the Hudson Family Hospital Chair in Pediatric Medicine and is an Investigator at BC Children's Hospital. Dr. Miller's research focuses on neonatal neurology, particularly brain development and injury in newborns. His work utilizes advanced magnetic resonance techniques and bedside brain monitoring to understand how a baby's critical care experience influences their risk of brain injury and developmental trajectory. His research areas include birth defects, concussion, preterm labor, and steroid effects on neonatal brain development. Analysis of Dr. Miller's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on understanding the relationship between neonatal pain exposure, analgesia, and brain development in preterm infants. His work also extensively examines neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with congenital heart disease, exploring how fetal hemodynamics, surgical interventions, and brain imaging findings correlate with long-term cognitive outcomes. A significant portion of his research investigates the impact of socioeconomic status on brain development and neurocognitive outcomes in preterm infants. Dr. Miller is actively involved in graduate education, supervising students in Neuroscience and Women+ and Children's Health Sciences programs at UBC. His research group, part of the Brain, Behaviour & Development Research Theme and the Neurodevelopmental and Neurological Disorders Visualizing the Brain Research Group, has published extensively in top-tier journals across neurology, pediatrics, and neuroscience.
Moira Whyte serves as Sir John Crofton Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Head of Edinburgh Medical School at the University of Edinburgh, while directing the MRC University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research. Her leadership spans clinical academia and major research initiatives focused on respiratory pathophysiology. Her educational background includes a 1st Class B.Sc. (1981), M.B., B.S. (1984), and Ph.D. (1993) from the University of London, complemented by professional qualifications: M.R.C.P. (1987), F.R.C.P. (1998), and F.Med.Sci. (2005) from the Academy of Medical Sciences. Whyte's research centers on neutrophil biology, macrophage function, and hypoxia signaling pathways in respiratory diseases. Her work explores how oxygen-sensing mechanisms like HIF pathways regulate immune cell function in COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and bacterial infections, with particular focus on cellular metabolism and inflammation resolution. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on neutrophil and macrophage biology within respiratory diseases, with growing emphasis on metabolic regulation of immune responses. Her work bridges basic science (using zebrafish models) with clinical applications, particularly in COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. Her scientific recognition includes: 2014 OBE for Services to Respiratory Medicine 2014 Foundation Fellow of the European Respiratory Society 2005 Fellow, Academy of Medical Sciences 2002 Tudor Edwards Lecturer of the Royal College of Physicians 1994 Wellcome Trust Advanced Fellowship 1989 MRC Clinical Training Fellowship Whyte directs substantial research funding, including a £6.4M Wellcome Trust Clinical PhD Programme (ECAT-Plus) and multiple grants investigating macrophage function in COPD, hypoxia pathways in pulmonary fibrosis, and neutrophilic inflammation regulation. Her collaborative approach is evident in multi-institutional projects like the EME-TIPAC study on pulmonary fibrosis. As Director of the MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, she leads a multidisciplinary team investigating fundamental mechanisms of inflammation across multiple disease contexts, with particular strength in respiratory immunology and translational applications.
Dr. Rong-Hao Liang is an Assistant Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), affiliated with both the Future Everyday Group (Department of Industrial Design) and the Signal Processing Systems Group (Department of Electrical Engineering). His research bridges intelligent sensing systems and user interface technology for ubiquitous computing and embodied human-computer interaction . He co-organized international ACM conferences (CHI, UIST, DIS) and has over 70 peer-reviewed publications and 10 patents. PhD in Computer Science (2014) and MSc in Electrical Engineering (2010) from National Taiwan University Founded GaussToys Inc. in 2015, focusing on magnetic-field sensors Cross-appointed to Electrical Engineering in 2021 His research explores intelligent sensing systems , tangible user interfaces , and physiological sensors for real-world challenges. Key trends in his work include ubiquitous health monitoring (e.g., preterm infants), wearable technology , and innovative interaction design . Articles like GaussBits and NFCStack demonstrate his focus on magnetic and RFID-based tangible systems . Scientific awards include the ACM CHI 2013 Best Paper Award , 2014 Honorable Mentions , and the ACM SIGGRAPH Asia 2012 Emerging Technologies Prize . He mentors passion-driven projects in user interface design and embedded systems , emphasizing technical rigor and creativity. His STRAP project (2020–2025) addresses heart disease prevention via big data and AI . Labs and teams include the Future Everyday Group and Signal Processing Systems Group , with collaborations across healthcare , education , and technology startups . His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals , particularly good health and well-being .
Dr. Lauren Emberson (she/her/hers) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Arts. She directs the Baby Learning Lab, which is part of UBC's Early Development Research Group, a consortium focused on infant and child development. Prior to her position at UBC, Dr. Emberson was an Assistant Professor at Princeton University where she co-founded and co-directed the Princeton Baby and Princeton Kid Labs. Education: Postdoctoral Associate, University of Rochester (PI Aslin) Ph.D, Cornell University (PIs Amso, Goldstein, Spivey) B.Sc, University of British Columbia Dr. Emberson's research focuses on learning, perception (audition, vision, crossmodal or multisensory), language development, face/object perception, and attention in infants. She investigates these capacities using behavioral and neuroimaging techniques, particularly fNIRS (functional near infrared spectroscopy), working primarily with very young infants (birth through 1 year) and preterm/premature infants. Her work examines how infants' learning capacities contribute to rapid development of perception in ecological contexts, with implications for understanding how early life experiences affect later outcomes. Analysis of Dr. Emberson's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on infant perception, learning mechanisms, and neuroimaging methodology. Her work increasingly incorporates advanced fNIRS techniques while maintaining focus on fundamental questions about how infants learn from their environment. There's a growing emphasis on individual differences, cross-cultural comparisons, and applications to infants facing developmental challenges. Dr. Emberson serves on the editorial board of Infancy (journal of the International Congress of Infancy Studies) and is a consulting editor for the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience . Her research has been published in top journals including PNAS, Current Biology, Psychological Science, Cognition, Developmental Science, and the Journal of Neuroscience. Dr. Emberson has secured significant research funding from prestigious organizations including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, James S. McDonnell Foundation, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She collaborates with clinicians at BC Women's and Children's Hospitals to understand how different early life experiences impact learning and brain development. Dr. Emberson is currently accepting graduate students into her research program. The Baby Learning Lab, under Dr. Emberson's direction, is part of UBC's Early Developmental Research Group and collaborates with multiple institutions. The lab strives to provide interactive research experiences for infants and families while advancing scientific understanding of early cognitive development. The lab acknowledges that it operates on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people.
Dr. Oluwabunmi (Bunmi) Olaloye is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Neonatology at Yale School of Medicine. She holds appointments in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and is affiliated with the Janeway Society. Her academic background includes an MD from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, pediatrics residency at University of Texas Medical Branch, and neonatology fellowship at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Olaloye's research focuses on immune dysfunction underlying neonatal intestinal diseases such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP). Using cutting-edge techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and mass cytometry, her work identifies biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for premature infants. Key research areas include fetal immune system maturation, placental immune interactions, and gestational age-specific inflammatory responses. Her publication record spans 12 peer-reviewed articles between 2019-2025, emphasizing translational immunology and neonatal pathophysiology. Notable contributions include defining immune cell trajectories in preterm infants and developing gating guidelines for high-dimensional cytometry data. Current projects involve constructing immune cell atlases across human lifespans and investigating nutritional interventions for intestinal disorders. Laboratory affiliations include the Laboratory for Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology where she explores neonatal mucosal immunity. Her work integrates clinical observations with systems immunology approaches to address critical gaps in understanding prematurity-associated gastrointestinal pathologies.
Anne-Mette Hvas is Professor and Dean at the Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Denmark, where she leads academic and administrative initiatives in health sciences. Her role places her at the forefront of institutional strategy, research development, and interdisciplinary collaboration within clinical and translational medicine. Research Interests: Her work spans hematology, coagulation, platelet biology, neonatal hemostasis, and endocrinology. She investigates thrombotic and bleeding disorders in clinical contexts such as nephrotic syndrome, pregnancy, cancer surgery, and stroke. Her research integrates physiological, pharmacological, and clinical perspectives to improve patient outcomes. The recent publications reflect a strong focus on thrombin generation, platelet reactivity, endothelial dysfunction, and red blood cell behavior in acute and chronic conditions. These studies often involve multicenter collaborations and contribute to evidence-based practices in thromboprophylaxis, surgical safety, and stroke management. Scientific Contributions: Active research in hemostasis and thrombosis across diverse patient populations Leadership in clinical studies on anticoagulation, HIPEC, and neonatal platelet function Investigations into hormonal and cardiovascular aspects of Turner syndrome Advising and Grants: While specific advisees are not listed, her leadership in multiple funded research projects suggests mentorship of junior researchers and clinicians. She has led projects on platelet function in preterm neonates and coagulation in surgical oncology, indicating grant acquisition and team coordination capabilities. Labs and Teams: Though specific lab names are not mentioned, her work implies collaboration with clinical research teams in hematology, neonatology, oncology, and obstetrics at Aarhus University Hospital and affiliated centers.
Dr. Eunice Eunhee Jang is a Professor in the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto. Her research focuses on synergistic learner modeling, dynamic assessment systems, and the intersection of language testing with educational measurement. PhD with specializations in language testing, educational measurement, and program evaluation Develops interactive digital assessment interfaces for struggling readers Author of "Focus on Assessment" (2014) and co-author of OECD Reviews on Evaluation and Assessment in Education Research Interests Dr. Jang's work explores prismatic assessment analytics to understand learner potential and predict learning pathways. She integrates natural language processing and machine learning to create diagnostic feedback systems that support cognitive, metacognitive, and affective growth in technology-rich classrooms. Scientific Awards Jacqueline Ross TOEFL Dissertation Award Caroline Clapham IELTS Master’s Award Tatsuoka Measurement Award Professional Contributions She has served on major advisory boards including EQAO provincial assessments and TOEFL Committees of Examiners. Currently, she is an elected board member for the International Language Testing Association and contributes to the Broader Measures of Success Advisory Committee for People for Education.
