Sham Kakade is the Rampell Family Professor of Computer Science and Professor of Statistics at Harvard University, co-director of the Kempner Institute. His research focuses on advancing artificial general intelligence through foundational work in reinforcement learning, large-scale learning systems, and autonomous agent architectures. He earned his PhD in 2003 from the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit at University College London. His work emphasizes scalable optimization algorithms, distributed systems for foundation models, and understanding emergent capabilities in neural architectures. Research interests include full-stack training pipelines for foundation models, mathematical principles of large-scale learning systems, and bridging language models with embodied intelligence. He advises prospective students with backgrounds in applied deep learning or theoretical computer science, offering access to the Kempner Institute's computational resources. He serves on committees for the ACM Prize in Computing and Sloan Research Fellowships, co-organizes the Simons Symposium on Theoretical Machine Learning, and chaired COLT 2011. His lab works at the intersection of theory and practice, addressing challenges in AI's societal impact and technical scalability. Labs/Teams: Co-directs the Kempner Institute, fostering collaborations between AI researchers and social scientists. Active in Harvard's SEAS community.
Prof. Albert Postma is a full professor in Experimental Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) at Utrecht University. He holds the chair in Clinical Neuropsychology and has served as department head of Experimental Psychology (2010–2017) and later as head of the Psychology Department (FSW, UU). His research focuses on spatial cognition, memory disorders, and sensory impairments, with notable contributions to understanding spatial navigation in neurological patients and the neurocognitive basis of spatial memory. Education: PhD in Psychology (1991, University of Nijmegen). Affiliations: Director of the Memory & Space Lab; Head of Research Committee at Korsakov Centrum Slingedael; Editorial roles in Cognitive Processing and Acta Psychologica . Research Interests: Spatial cognition, neuropsychology of memory (episodic, prospective), sensory deprivation effects (blindness/deafness), and neuroimaging studies of spatial processing. Key projects include EU-funded studies on spatial memory and the NWO Pioneer grant on spatial cognition development. Grants & Awards: Multiple EU Marie Curie grants, NWO Pioneer Grant (2000–2007), and coordination of the EU NEST Fp6 program on spatial orientation. His work emphasizes translational research in clinical settings, such as Korsakoff syndrome interventions. Labs & Teams: Leads the Memory & Space Lab, collaborating internationally on spatial cognition and neurological rehabilitation. Active in multidisciplinary initiatives like the Dynamics of Youth (DoY) research theme.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Butz is a Full Professor and Chair for Human-Computer Interaction at the Department for Informatics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich). He leads the Media Informatics Group, focusing on innovative interaction techniques and interfaces in immersive environments like VR/AR, automotive systems, and smart spaces. His research emphasizes perceptual user interfaces, social robotics, and designing systems that balance invisibility with transparency. Key research areas include: Virtual/Augmented Reality interfaces for productivity and social interaction AI-driven decision support in safety-critical domains (aviation, healthcare) Haptic and wearable interaction technologies Automotive UI design for driver assistance systems Principles of explainable AI and human-AI collaboration His work bridges theory and practice through projects like: VR-based movement training systems AI trust calibration mechanisms Multi-modal interaction frameworks for automotive environments Systems for analyzing long-term music listening behavior Recent articles explore topics ranging from AI support in pilot decision-making to haptic wearables and creative writing interfaces. His team collaborates with industry partners on electric vehicle information systems and in-car interaction challenges.
Professor Guy Williams is a leading academic at the University of Cambridge with a focus on imaging science and clinical neurosciences, affiliated with Downing College and the Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre . Holding a PhD in Physics from his initial Natural Sciences degree, he specializes in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and MRI techniques for brain imaging. Education: BA, PhD in Physics His research centers on non-invasive imaging of brain structure and function, particularly in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and dementia. His work involves developing novel MRI pulse sequences and advanced data analysis algorithms, including AI-based diagnostic tools. He leads studies on white matter integrity post-trauma, longitudinal dementia assessment, and applications of MRI in disorders of consciousness and addiction. Recent publications highlight collaborations in traumatic brain injury outcomes, AI-guided dementia prediction, and neuroimaging of post-COVID cognitive deficits. His team's work on ultra-high field laminar fMRI and distortion correction methods has advanced clinical neuroscience applications. Key techniques include diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), 7 Tesla MRI, and positron emission tomography (PET/MR). His research spans from basic NMR physics to clinical translation, with a strong emphasis on multi-site studies and real-world diagnostic implementation.
David Melcher is Professor of Psychology and Program Head in Psychology at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), where he also serves as a Global Network Professor. He is affiliated with the Division of Science and leads the Perception and Active Cognition Lab, focusing on the integration of perception, attention, memory, and action within a cognitive neuroscience framework. PhD in Psychology and Cognitive Science, Rutgers University (2001) Former researcher and professor in Italy and the UK Current leadership: Program Head, Psychology, NYUAD David Melcher's research centers on cognitive neuroscience , particularly how perception, attention, working memory, eye movements, and self-motion interact to shape cognition and behavior. His lab emphasizes active cognition —the idea that perception is not passive but dynamically shaped by action, context, and goals. He investigates how temporal dynamics in neural processing organize perceptual experiences and guide decision-making. His work spans both healthy and clinical populations, exploring individual differences in spatial and temporal processing across the lifespan. The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent focus on temporal organization in cognition , perception-action coupling , and neural mechanisms of attention and memory . Keywords across these works include cognitive neuroscience, perception, and neuroimaging, with subfields ranging from eye movement research and neural synchrony to computational modeling and clinical neuropsychology. Collectively, they demonstrate a trajectory toward integrative models of brain function that bridge behavioral, neuroimaging, and computational approaches. Among his notable recognitions is the Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology from the American Psychological Association (2011), highlighting the early impact of his work in cognitive neuroscience. Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology, APA (2011) David Melcher has advised numerous students through capstone projects in psychology and computer science, fostering interdisciplinary research at the intersection of cognitive science and technology. His research has been generously supported by major funding agencies including the European Research Council , the US National Institutes of Health , the Italian Ministry of Research and Education , and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Expert Affairs . He also contributes to the academic community as a member of the editorial boards of Journal of Vision , Psychonomic Bulletin & Review , Perception , and iPerception . He leads the Perception and Active Cognition Lab at NYUAD, which employs a multidisciplinary approach combining behavioral experiments, neuroimaging (fMRI, EEG, MEG), eye-tracking, computational modeling, and clinical assessments. The lab’s research aims to understand how the brain constructs stable percepts from dynamic sensory input, particularly during active engagement with the environment.
Melissa Koenig serves as Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Minnesota's Institute of Child Development (ICD), where her research examines social and testimonial learning mechanisms in children through investigations of trust, cultural learning, memory, language, and cognitive development. As a first-generation college student, she prioritizes supporting students navigating academic systems through collaborative mentorship. Education PhD (2002), University of Texas at Austin Her research program spans cognitive development, cross-cultural studies, early childhood, language acquisition, theory of mind, and social-emotional development across peer, parent, and romantic contexts. The lab employs interdisciplinary, multi-method approaches with explicit cultural analysis to advance developmental science, particularly examining how children evaluate information sources and integrate testimony into moral frameworks. Analysis of her 2021-2024 publications reveals dominant themes in epistemic trust development, including how children assess informant credibility through moral behavior, group affiliation, and cultural context. Key trajectories show increasing sophistication in distinguishing epistemic versus practical reasoning, cross-cultural variations in trust attribution, and the developmental emergence of resistance to power-based corruption like bribery. Advising & Mentorship Accepts new PhD students for Fall 2026 cohort Requires prospective students to contact prior to December 1 application deadline Public advising statement details mutual expectations and support structures Specializes in guiding students through academic navigation and hidden curriculum challenges She directs the Early Language and Experience Lab, which maintains a collaborative research environment focused on uncovering constraints and supports for children's social learning across diverse contexts, with particular attention to cultural and socioeconomic variables in developmental processes.
Brice Kuhl is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Oregon , where he leads the Kuhl Lab. His research focuses on the cognitive neuroscience of memory formation, retrieval, and forgetting , utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques like fMRI and EEG combined with machine learning algorithms to analyze distributed neural activity patterns. His work explores mechanisms of memory interference resolution , forgetting , and neural representation transformation . Recent publications emphasize spaced learning , temporal memory dynamics , and memory-cognitive control interactions . The lab has received attention for decoding perceptual content from neural activity and reconstructing face images based on brain states. Current lab members include graduate students Anisha Babu , Tongle Cai , and America Romero , alongside postdocs like Soroush Mirjalili and Yoonjung Lee . The lab frequently presents at conferences like CNS and SFN , and maintains active collaborations in memory research and neuroimaging methodology . Notable projects include investigations into hippocampal pattern differentiation and parietal cortex roles in memory . The lab also contributes to open science initiatives with publicly available experimental codes and data .
Dr. Ginger Mills is a board-certified bilingual (English/Spanish) clinical neuropsychologist and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine. She specializes in assessing neurological disorders and neurodegenerative conditions through comprehensive cognitive and emotional evaluations that integrate developmental and cultural contexts. Specializes in neuropsychological evaluations for diagnostic clarity Focuses on memory disorders and cognitive rehabilitation Active in clinical research on prospective memory mechanisms Her research spans prospective memory assessment across diverse populations including children with epilepsy, brain injury patients, and healthy adults. Publications highlight methodological innovations like the MISTY testing framework and visual imagery interventions for memory disorders. Clinical expertise includes: Dementia and Alzheimer's disease Developmental neuropsychology Psychological assessment of children Dr. Mills emphasizes patient-centered care, stating: 'You are the expert on you. Trust your instinct and gut.' She maintains active clinical practice at Yale Medicine Neurology while contributing to translational research through peer-reviewed publications in journals like Child Neuropsychology and Clinical Neuropsychologist .
Maria T. Schultheis is a Professor in Drexel University's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and holds a joint appointment in the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems. As Interim Director of Clinical Training, she oversees clinical psychology education. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University in 1998. Her research focuses on neurorehabilitation, particularly applying virtual reality (VR) technology to assess and improve driving capacity and everyday functioning in individuals with neurological disorders like traumatic brain injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. She has pioneered VR-based driving simulators for clinical evaluation and rehabilitation. Her work integrates clinical psychology, engineering, and transportation science, addressing cognitive, physical, and behavioral demands of driving post-neurological injury. Key projects include developing driving assessment protocols for disabled populations and investigating fatigue management in MS patients. Her interdisciplinary approach has been funded by NIH, NIDRR, and the NMSS. Notable awards include the 2007 APA Early Career Award (Division 40) and recognition from the National Academy of Neuropsychology. Schultheis leads the Applied Neuro-Technologies Lab, emphasizing ecologically valid methodologies. Over 35 peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international forums highlight her contributions. She serves on the National Research Council’s Transportation Research Board, influencing policy on neurological disorders and mobility. Grants have supported projects like VR-based financial competency assessments and understanding dual-task demands in post-concussion driving. Her research also explores decision-making competency in young adults and the neurocognitive correlates of risky driving behaviors. Collaborations with biomedical engineers and transportation specialists reflect her commitment to bridging clinical practice and technological innovation for functional recovery.
Jochen Hellbeck is a Distinguished Professor of History and Vice Chair for Graduate Education in the Department of History at Rutgers University's School of Arts and Sciences, where he has been teaching since 2003. He holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University and specializes in the history of the Soviet Union, with particular focus on individual life stories and the shaping of the self in modern Europe. Professor Hellbeck's research centers on the place and self-understandings of individuals during cataclysmic 20th century events, including the Russian Revolution, Stalin's terror regime, and World War II. His work examines how narratives of redemptive violence and transformation attached themselves to individuals on the ground, revealing how authors of diaries and personal texts became co-authors of the revolutionary script. More recently, he has explored comparative and transnational aspects of how Soviet, German, and British states mobilized citizens during World War II, highlighting the centrality of the Soviet war effort to the broader history of the conflict. His acclaimed book Stalingrad: The City that Defeated the Third Reich (2015) was the first Western study to probe the meaning of the Battle of Stalingrad for Soviet soldiers and civilians. The book draws on dozens of oral histories recorded by Moscow historians during and after the battle. Hellbeck's research consistently focuses on personal narratives and eyewitness accounts to provide grounded perspectives on major historical events. Morphomata Fellowship, Cologne (2019) Guggenheim Fellowship (2017) Short list, non-fiction prize of the Moscow Book Fair (2017) Davis Center Fellowship, Princeton (2016) Damals prize for best historical monograph (2013) American Academy in Berlin Fellowship (2009) Rutgers Board of Trustees Fellowship for Scholarly Excellence (2007) Michigan Society of Fellows (1997-1999) As a member of the Rutgers graduate faculty, Professor Hellbeck works with students interested in modern Russia and the Soviet Union, and in transnational explorations of Communism, World War II, and the Cold War. He encourages prospective graduate students to contact him before application deadlines. His website, Facing Stalingrad , features portraits and voices of veterans he interviewed during his research.
Prof. Dr. Mike Martin is a leading researcher at the University of Zurich's Center for Gerontology . His work spans cognitive aging, social development in old age, and life-span developmental psychology, with a focus on ecological validity in aging research. Professor, University of Zurich Director, Zurich Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Ageing Co-editor, Journals of Gerontology series Key research areas include: Healthy aging and quality of life Cognitive-emotional interactions in aging Dyadic adaptation in dementia caregiving Mobile sensing of aging-related behaviors Participatory research methodologies Language use as a biomarker of aging His recent publications analyze: GPS mobility and cognitive function Machine learning in reminiscence detection Prospective memory trajectories Emotion regulation in couples Digital interventions for cognitive health Neuroimaging correlates of aging
Darian Marie Totten is an Assistant Professor & Director of Classical Studies at McGill University's Department of History and Classical Studies. Her research focuses on Roman archaeology, environmental history, and the intersection of ancient and modern placemaking. She holds a PhD from Stanford University and specializes in Mediterranean regions from 2000 BCE to 600 CE. Education: PhD in Classics/Archaeology from Stanford University (thesis not specified). Research interests include Roman infrastructure, comparative imperial systems (e.g., Han China), urban resilience strategies, and the material culture of labor and exchange. She directs fieldwork at Salapia-Salpi in Apulia, Italy, exploring late antique urbanism and environmental adaptation. Her scholarship bridges archaeological material analysis with historical interpretation, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to ancient economies, landscapes, and cultural transitions. Recent work highlights cross-cultural comparisons between Rome and Han China, as well as the long-term dynamics of Mediterranean coastal settlements. Her publications consistently engage with methodological innovation in field archaeology, particularly in paleoenvironmental reconstruction and ceramic sourcing. She also critiques modern uses of Roman heritage in national identity formation, reflecting a commitment to critical archaeology. Current projects include ongoing excavations at Salapia, analysis of Apulian salt production networks, and investigations into late antique glass trade routes. She teaches courses on classical archaeology (CLAS 240) and specialized topics (CLAS 349).
Grant E. O'Keefe, M.D., M.P.H., serves as Professor of Surgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine and holds adjunct appointments in Neurological Surgery, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Based at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, he provides surgical and intensive care services for emergency and complex gastrointestinal conditions, emphasizing patient-centered decision-making in critical scenarios. His educational background includes: Medical Doctorate (M.D.) from University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine (1988) Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) from University of Washington General Surgery Residency at University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine General Surgery Fellowship at University of Washington Internship at Memorial University of Newfoundland Dr. O'Keefe's research focuses on trauma outcomes, critical care metabolism, and genetic determinants of sepsis recovery. He investigates nutritional interventions in critically ill patients, ventilator-associated complications, and biomarkers for predicting mortality in trauma cases. His work frequently employs metabolomics and genetic association studies to understand individual variations in treatment response. Analysis of his 2013-2018 publications reveals consistent emphasis on critical care and trauma, with studies examining respiratory failure duration, nutritional support efficacy, and genetic polymorphisms affecting sepsis outcomes. His research often utilizes large collaborative datasets from the NIH-funded Inflammation and Host Response to Injury program, highlighting translational approaches to improve trauma resuscitation and ICU management. Professional recognition includes: Fellow of the American College of Surgeons Board-certified in Surgery and Surgical Critical Care by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. O'Keefe has contributed significantly to the Inflammation and Host Response to Injury Collaborative Research Program, developing standard operating procedures for trauma nutrition and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. While specific grant amounts aren't detailed, this multi-institutional NIH initiative represents substantial research funding. He mentors surgical trainees within UW's residency programs, though individual advisees aren't listed in available records. At Harborview Medical Center, Dr. O'Keefe operates within the General Surgery Clinic and surgical ICU, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including trauma surgeons, critical care specialists, and nutrition support services. His clinical practice integrates research insights into trauma resuscitation protocols and complex abdominal surgery, with patient reviews highlighting both efficient communication and occasional concerns about bedside manner.
Professor Christian F. Doeller is a leading cognitive neuroscientist serving as Director of the Department of Psychology at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Leipzig and Vice President of the Max Planck Society (since 2023). His roles include honorary professorships at the University of Leipzig (2019) and TU Dresden (Cognitive Neuroscience of Learning and Memory). He holds a PhD in Psychology from Saarland University (2005) and has held positions at institutions such as UCL (London), Radboud University (Nijmegen), and NTNU (Trondheim). His research focuses on spatial navigation, memory systems, and cognitive mapping in the human brain, leveraging neuroimaging (fMRI, EEG) and computational modeling. Key areas include hippocampal/entorhinal cortical function, grid cells, and the neural basis of spatial and conceptual representations. Recent work explores non-Euclidean spatial cognition, value-based decision making using grid-like maps, and hormonal influences on navigation. His lab combines experimental psychology, neuroimaging, and theoretical neuroscience to understand how brains build predictive models of environments and concepts. Publications emphasize cognitive maps, neural representations of space/value, and memory formation mechanisms. Over 100 journal articles span high-impact journals like Nature Neuroscience , Neuron , and Current Biology . His work bridges basic research and translational applications in neurodegenerative disorders and spatial cognition deficits.
Antonia Krefeld-Schwalb is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Marketing Management, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University. With a background in cognitive science and management, her research bridges computational modeling, eye-tracking, and consumer decision-making to address sustainability challenges. Current Affiliation: Assistant Professor, Rotterdam School of Management Research Focus: Sustainable consumer behavior, decision-making processes, and methodological improvements Key Collaborations: Columbia University, University of Geneva, Erasmus Sustainability Program Her cognitive science training informs methodological approaches like mouse/eye tracking and computational modeling applied to marketing problems. She investigates structural parameter interdependencies, external validity threats in surveys, and climate risk communication effectiveness. Recent research trends include climate adaptation strategies, sustainable behavior interventions, and meta-scientific analyses of statistical practices in consumer research. She advocates for heterogeneous population sampling and preregistration to enhance validity. Scientific Honors: Veni Grant (NWO) She develops targeted sustainability interventions through collaborations like the Erasmus Sustainability Program. Her work appears in journals such as PNAS, Journal of Marketing Research, and Psychological Review.
