Madeleine Lowery is a Professor in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at University College Dublin. She leads the Personal Sensing research group, focusing on engineering approaches to study the human nervous system in health and disease, with applications in therapies for impaired motor function. Her interdisciplinary research integrates neural engineering, electromyography, and biomedical signal processing. Specializes in neuromuscular systems and neural control of movement Develops myoelectric control systems for artificial limbs Designs high-density electrode systems for neural activity recording Investigates deep brain stimulation mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease models Her research spans neurodegenerative disorders (ALS, Huntington’s disease) and rehabilitation technologies , including wearable sensors for gait and sleep analysis. Key methodologies involve computational modeling , adaptive control systems , and biomedical signal analysis .
Haiyang Chao is an Associate Professor at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Kansas. His research focuses on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) with emphasis on control systems, wind estimation, remote sensing, and cooperative UAV operations. Recent work includes FireCrowdSensing for prescribed fire monitoring Wake vortex hazard estimation for airport UAS operations Thermal imaging for fire spread measurement Vertical wind velocity analysis in fire plumes System identification techniques for flying-wing UAVs Honors include the 2016 Summer Faculty Fellowship at Air Force Research Lab. He leads the Cooperative Unmanned Systems Lab (CUSL) and collaborates with NASA on gust sensing projects. Teaching interests include Avionics, Control Systems, and Autonomous Aerospace Vehicles.
Peter Rothwell is the Action Research Professor of Neurology in the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Oxford and a Professorial Fellow of St Edmund Hall. He serves as Head of the Centre for the Prevention of Stroke and Dementia and as an Honorary Consultant Neurologist for the Oxford University Hospitals Trust, maintaining active clinical practice in stroke prevention and general neurology. His educational background includes: MB ChB from the University of Edinburgh (1987) MD from the University of Edinburgh (1995) PhD from the University of Edinburgh (1999) FRCP from London (2002) FMedSci from the Academy of Medical Sciences (2008) Professor Rothwell's research centers on stroke prevention mechanisms , hypertension management , and aspirin's dual vascular/non-vascular effects , with significant contributions to understanding blood pressure variability and clinical trial translation. His work has redefined urgent stroke prevention protocols, particularly for transient ischemic attack patients. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal three dominant trends: inflammatory biomarkers in stroke recurrence (e.g., interleukin-6/CRP studies), multimorbidity's impact on long-term outcomes, and innovative blood pressure interventions post-hemorrhage. His ASCOLT trial extends focus to aspirin's role in colorectal cancer prevention, demonstrating cross-disciplinary reach. Major recognitions include: British Medical Journal Award for Outstanding Clinical Research (2009) World Stroke Organisation Bienniel Award (2010) Kinmonth Medal, Royal College of Surgeons (2012) NIHR and Wellcome Trust Senior Investigator Awards He founded Oxford's Stroke Prevention Research Unit (2000), which has produced 25 doctorates and employs 30+ staff. Funded by Wellcome Trust, MRC, and Stroke Association, his work bridges laboratory research and clinical implementation through editorial roles in major journals and leadership in international trials like PROHIBIT-ICH. The unit operates within the Centre for the Prevention of Stroke and Dementia, conducting population-based cohort studies (OXVASC) and developing telemedicine solutions for home blood pressure monitoring, with direct impact on national stroke care pathways.
W. Cully Hession is a Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) department at Virginia Tech , where he has served since 2012. He directs the StREAM Lab , focusing on ecological engineering , stream restoration , and human-natural system interactions . His career spans roles at the University of Vermont and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Education : PhD in Biosystems Engineering (Oklahoma State), MS & BS in Agricultural Engineering (Virginia Tech) Licensure : Professional Engineer (VA), Certified Ecological Designer (AEES) Research Interests center on stream channel processes , floodplain connectivity , UAV applications , and climate resilience . Current projects include Beaver Dam Analogs for stream restoration, drone-based LiDAR for floodplain mapping, and virtual watershed exhibits to bridge community-scientist dialogue. His work integrates hydrology , ecological design , and interdisciplinary education . Scientific Contributions include 15 recent articles on topics like UAV monitoring , streambank erosion , and antibiotic resistance in soils . He has secured over $278,911 in USDA funding for undergraduate research training and leads NSF-REU initiatives involving 14 faculty across 5 colleges. Awards : Fellow of the American Ecological Engineering Society (2024), UCOWR Education & Public Service Award (2021), and VT-BSE Faculty of the Year (2006, 2019). Teaching & Outreach includes directing BSE design projects and co-developing Virtual Watershed exhibits. As Graduate Program Director, he expanded BSE enrollment from 40 to 70 students and secured $50k+ for graduate recruitment. The StREAM Lab engages 14+ classes across 4 colleges with real-time monitoring data.
Tess Wynn Thompson is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech. Her work bridges ecological engineering research with practical applications in stream and wetland restoration, urban stormwater management, and environmental policy. Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA Biological Systems Engineering Department Education: Ph.D., Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech (2004) M.S., Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University (1995) B.S., Agricultural Engineering, Virginia Tech (1992) Research Focus: Dr. Thompson's ecological engineering program addresses critical challenges in stream and wetland restoration through integrated field, laboratory, and computational studies. Her work directly informs statewide stormwater recommendations and contributes to the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration goals. Key areas include: Streambank erosion mechanics Root-soil-microbe interactions Climate change adaptation in urban watersheds Watershed-scale thermal pollution mitigation Jet erosion test methodology Vegetated streambank stability Recent Publications: Her research demonstrates how organic matter amendments enhance streambank erosion resistance and how riparian vegetation quantitatively improves channel stability. Her work connects engineering practices with ecological outcomes, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay watershed context. Scientific Awards: Fellow, American Ecological Engineering Society (2024) Turner Fellow of Engineering (2015-2020) Outstanding Faculty Member, Alpha Epsilon (2005) Graduate Dissertation Award of Merit, Gamma Sigma Delta (2005) Teaching & Extension: She teaches advanced courses in fluvial geomorphology and stream restoration. Her extension program addresses stream health challenges from climate change and urbanization, focusing on the Chesapeake Bay TMDL requirements and developing training programs for technical service providers. Research Funding: Current projects include grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Chesapeake Bay Trust for stream restoration effectiveness studies. Past funding from Virginia Tech Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science supported thermal effects on erosion research.
Bradi Bartrug Granger is a Research Professor at Duke University School of Nursing, Director of the Duke Heart Center Nursing Research Program, and adjunct faculty at the University of Gothenburg. She holds core faculty status at the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy. With doctorate in nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an MSN from Duke University, and a BSN from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, her expertise spans implementation science, heart failure care, workforce stability, hypertension management, and health equity. 2004 - Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 1991 - M.S.N., Duke University 1988 - B.S.N., University of Tennessee at Knoxville Her recent publications focus on nurse retention strategies, virtual reality rehabilitation for ICU patients, hypertension control in Black populations, and palliative care integration in heart failure management. Key grants include NIH/NINR-funded Nurse LEADS program (2024-2029), NSF research on XR rehabilitation games (2025-2027), and NHLBI-funded urine output tracking studies (2024-2026). She actively promotes evidence-based practice through clinical decision support tools and workforce analytics, maintaining affiliations with Duke's Science & Society initiative and Margolis Center for Health Policy.
Kine Pedersen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Health Management and Health Economics within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Oslo. Her academic career focuses on health economic analysis, disease simulation modeling, and evaluation of healthcare interventions with particular expertise in cervical cancer prevention, HPV-related disease control, and primary care services. She has established herself as a leading researcher in cost-effectiveness analysis of preventive healthcare strategies within the Norwegian healthcare system. Education: PhD in Health Economics and Health Policy, University of Oslo (2018) M.Phil. in Health Economics, Policy and Management, University of Oslo (2014) BA in Economics, University of Oslo (2012) BA in Health Management and Health Economics, University of Oslo (2011) Dr. Pedersen's research program centers on developing and applying sophisticated mathematical models to evaluate preventive healthcare interventions, with a strong emphasis on cervical cancer screening programs and HPV vaccination strategies. Her work bridges health economics, epidemiology, and clinical practice to inform evidence-based healthcare policy. She has made significant contributions to understanding how to optimize screening protocols for vaccinated versus unvaccinated populations and has extensively studied the cost-effectiveness of various approaches to accelerate cervical cancer elimination in Norway. Her recent publications (2022-2024) reveal an expanding research portfolio that now includes telemedicine applications for chronic disease management and team-based primary care models, while maintaining her core focus on cancer prevention. The consistent thread through her work is the application of rigorous health economic methodologies to evaluate preventive interventions, with particular attention to structural uncertainty in modeling and real-world implementation challenges. Scientific Awards: The Society for Medical Decision Making's Lee B. Lusted Student Prize in Health Services and Policy Research Dr. Pedersen teaches HEVAL5120: Modelling in Economic Evaluation I and HMET4210: Research Design. Her research is supported through collaborations with the Cancer Registry of Norway, Center for Health Decision Science at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, and Department of Biostatistics at Aarhus University. She leads or participates in several significant research projects including ASCERTAIN, Optimal Cervical Cancer Prevention Policies (CC-PREVENT), and EXCEED – Network for economic evaluation in Norway. Her work directly informs Norwegian healthcare policy and contributes to international efforts to eliminate cervical cancer through evidence-based preventive strategies.
Doug Gross serves as Professor and Chair of the Physical Therapy department within the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta. With over 25 years of professional experience since becoming licensed in 1997, he has established himself as a leading researcher in work disability prevention and occupational rehabilitation. His educational background includes a BSc in Physical Therapy (1997), PhD in Physical Therapy (2003), and Diploma in Work Disability Prevention Research (2009), all from the University of Alberta. Previously serving as Director of the Rehabilitation Research Centre from 2012-2024, he currently holds the position of Co-Director since July 2024 and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation since 2020. Gross's research program focuses on preventing disability and improving outcomes for individuals with physical and mental health conditions through evaluation of clinical interventions, identification of recovery factors, and development of practical assessment tools. His work spans occupational rehabilitation, workers' compensation systems, return-to-work strategies, and increasingly addresses Long COVID rehabilitation challenges. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on telehealth applications in occupational rehabilitation, predictive modeling for surgical triage, and innovative approaches to managing work disability in complex health conditions. His research consistently bridges clinical practice with public health implementation. Killam Laureate and McCalla Professor Recipient of Liberty Mutual Work Disability Award (2014) Multiple teaching awards including 'Great Supervisor' Award (2018) Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation (Impact Factor 2.5) Recipient of Outstanding Presentation Award at 2025 World Physiotherapy Congress Gross leads the Rehabilitation Research Centre which provides research consulting services, maintains specialized resources, connects investigators with qualified personnel, supports grant applications, and develops research links across the university and clinical communities. His work with the Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic Research Committee (2012-2020) demonstrates his commitment to translational research in sports medicine contexts.
Melvyn L. Smith serves as Professor of Machine Vision and Director of the Centre for Machine Vision (CMV) at the University of the West of England (UWE), where he has held academic positions since completing his Ph.D. in 1997. His leadership extends to editorial roles for four international journals including Computers in Industry , and he contributes to national research strategy as a member of the EPSRC Peer Review College (since 2003) and NERC College (since 2020). His educational qualifications include: B.Eng. (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from University of Bath (1987) M.Sc. in Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Systems from Cranfield Institute of Technology (1988) Ph.D. from University of the West of England (1997) Professor Smith's research centers on machine vision and deep learning applications across diverse domains. He pioneers computer vision solutions for agricultural challenges including crop monitoring, plant phenotyping, and insect welfare assessment, while simultaneously advancing medical diagnostics through neuroimaging analysis for multiple sclerosis, diabetes prediction frameworks, and cardiac health studies. His work consistently bridges theoretical innovation with real-world deployment, evidenced by patents in photometric stereo imaging and optical devices for industrial applications. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a strategic expansion into interdisciplinary problem-solving, with 60% focused on agricultural robotics and 30% on medical applications. Key methodological trends include convolutional neural networks for low-resolution image analysis, 3D reconstruction techniques for plant phenotyping, and machine learning frameworks for clinical diagnostics – all emphasizing robustness in uncontrolled environments. His scientific recognition includes: Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (FEIT) As Director of CMV, Professor Smith mentors early-career researchers and leads collaborations with InnovateUK and industry partners. His grant portfolio includes EPSRC-funded projects in machine vision for outdoor environments and NERC-supported environmental monitoring systems, with recent work securing patent protection for crop monitoring apparatus. He actively assesses research proposals for UKRI councils and advises government bodies on agricultural robotics strategy. The Centre for Machine Vision operates as a hub for cross-sector innovation, partnering with agri-tech firms on precision farming systems and healthcare providers on diagnostic imaging tools. Current initiatives include the EU-funded 'Agricultural Robotics' white paper implementation and development of contactless 3D biometric identification systems for transportation infrastructure.
Ajay Kalra serves as an Associate Professor of Water Resources Engineering in the Civil Engineering Department at Southern Illinois University Carbondale's College of Engineering. His office is located in Engineering Building, Room 114, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including Fluid Mechanics, Open Channel Hydraulics, Water Resources Engineering, and Advanced Hydraulic Design. Dr. Kalra's research spans hydro-climatology, urban sustainability, artificial intelligence applications in water resources, drought frequency analysis, and probabilistic forecasting. His interdisciplinary work connects climate science with practical water management solutions, focusing on how large-scale climate patterns influence regional hydrology. He has developed innovative approaches using machine learning to improve streamflow forecasting and drought prediction, particularly in western U.S. river basins. His scholarly output shows consistent productivity with research trends indicating increasing focus on machine learning applications for hydrological prediction, climate change impacts on water resources, and urban flood management. Recent publications demonstrate strong integration of remote sensing data with traditional hydrological models to address water challenges in both gauged and ungauged basins. Outstanding dissertation award 2011 (UNLV) Outstanding dissertation award 2011 (UNLV-College of Engineering) Best poster award (2nd Place, UNLV-College of Engineering) GPSA merit award 2010-2011 Member Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society) Dr. Kalra actively mentors graduate students and collaborates with researchers across institutions. His professional service includes membership in the American Geophysical Union and American Society of Civil Engineers. His current research program continues to explore the connections between oceanic-atmospheric oscillations and regional hydrology while expanding into urban water sustainability challenges under changing climate conditions.
Ehab Mina is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Civil and Urban Engineering at New York University (NYU Tandon School of Engineering). He has over 18 years of international experience in geodetic surveying, GPS technology, and hydrological projects, with extensive work in the U.S. and Egypt. His U.S. experience includes managing geodetic control networks for agencies like NYSDOT and NYCDOT, while in Cairo, he serves as an Associate Professor in Geodetic Surveying at the Survey Research Institute. Adjunct Professor, NYU Tandon School of Engineering (Civil and Urban Engineering) Associate Professor, Survey Research Institute, Cairo University (Geodetic Surveying) Education: PhD in Geodetic Surveying, Faculty of Engineering, Zagazig University (2001) MS in Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University (1996) BSc in Civil Engineering (Surveying), Faculty of Engineering, Zagazig University (1990) His research focuses on GPS surveying techniques, 3D laser scanning, GIS integration for cadastre solutions, and geodetic control networks. Publications highlight applications in hydrology, river sedimentation analysis, and infrastructure projects like highways and bridges. His work spans GPS network calibration, hydrographic surveying, and statistical validation of measurements, reflecting trends in geospatial engineering and civil infrastructure. Notable projects include the use of networked RTK technology and GPS-GIS systems for urban planning.
Dr. Mustafa Demir serves as an Associate Research Scientist at Arizona State University's Biodesign Center for Applied Structural Discovery and Faculty Associate in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. His interdisciplinary work integrates cognitive science and engineering to optimize human-AI collaborative systems across healthcare, transportation, and defense domains through human-centered design principles. Education: Ph.D. in Simulation, Modeling, and Applied Cognitive Science, Arizona State University (2017) Dr. Demir's research centers on human-machine teaming dynamics, employing advanced statistical and nonlinear dynamical systems modeling. His expertise includes quantum cognitive approaches to decision-making, team cognition analysis, and machine learning applications for real-time physiological monitoring. Current projects focus on AI-powered stress management tools, curiosity-driven STEM education systems, and human-autonomy coordination in driving and command environments using eye-tracking and biometric sensing. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals methodological innovation in dynamical systems analysis (DSA Toolbox) and quantum probability modeling applied to trust calibration in autonomous vehicles, educational technology, and digital health interventions. His work consistently bridges theoretical modeling with real-world implementation in complex sociotechnical systems. Dr. Demir mentors students in cognitive engineering and applied data science while leading multi-institutional research initiatives funded by NSF, AFRL, and DARPA. His grant portfolio supports experimental work across simulated and operational environments including remotely piloted aircraft systems and urban search-and-rescue scenarios. He contributes to the Biodesign Center for Applied Structural Discovery and HLA-Inception research group, developing computational models of team interaction and adaptive AI systems for healthcare and education applications.
Professor Peter Knights is a faculty member at the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering , University of Queensland, where he serves as Discipline Lead for Mining. He previously held the BMA Chair in Mining Engineering (2006–2015) and worked as Assistant Professor and later Associate Professor at the Catholic University of Chile (1996–2004), where he also held the Canadian Chair in Mining. Education: BEng (Mechanical) from University of Melbourne, MEng (Systems Engineering) from RMIT, PhD in Mining Engineering from McGill University. Research Focus: Engineering asset management, mine maintenance, systems engineering for mine safety, ESG integration in mine planning, and electrification of mining haulage. He pioneered ESG frameworks and developed the ValueTree software adopted by Rio Tinto. Recent Publications: His 15 most recent articles (2023–2025) emphasize digital twins , low-emission mining systems , ESG optimization , and battery trolley electrification in journals like Mining , Energies , and Mining Technology . Industry Impact: Developed the Jack-knife methodology for downtime analysis, now used in GE Wabtec's APS software, and innovative models for ultimate pit limits in FMIPCC systems. Supervision: Currently supervises PhD students on topics like AI-driven asset management, battery trolley systems, and rock mass preconditioning. Past supervision includes work on shovel sequence optimization and critical spare parts management.
Cock Heemskerk serves as a Lecturer in Robotics at Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Alkmaar campus since May 2016, operating under the Research and Innovation Centre for Technology, Design and Computer Science (RIC-TOI). He collaborates across Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science programs to integrate robotics into technical curricula through applied research. His educational foundation includes a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Delft University of Technology (1990) on industrial robot assembly, an MSc from the same institution (1985), and a visiting scientist role at Carnegie Mellon University (1985-1986). Delft University of Technology: MSc Mechanical Engineering (1985) Delft University of Technology: PhD Robotics (1990) Carnegie Mellon University: Visiting Scientist (1985-1986) Dr. Heemskerk's research centers on practical robotics implementation with dual emphases: healthcare applications (including a care robot developed since 2014 through his consultancy HIT) and agricultural robotics for sustainable farming. His work uniquely bridges Technology, Design and Computer Science (TOI) with Health, Sport and Welfare (GSW), Agri, Food & Life Sciences (AFL), and Business domains through projects like HiPerGreen. Key cross-cutting themes include sustainability, human-robot collaboration, and field-deployable solutions for real-world problems. Analysis of his 2017-2019 publications reveals a concentrated focus on agricultural robotics , particularly Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for greenhouse crop monitoring. These works demonstrate a strategic shift toward practice-oriented validation of robotics in horticulture, with strong emphasis on data transmission, storage, and UAS navigation in confined environments. Concurrently, his educational contributions explore robotics' role in developing 21st-century technical skills. Students engage through internships, graduation projects, and design assignments within his Robotics knowledge circle, while industry partnerships drive innovation in healthcare and agricultural robotics applications. Government collaboration is exemplified by the Ministry of Agriculture's working visit regarding his input on the "Robots to Farming Practice" innovation program. The Robotics lectureship operates within RIC-TOI as a multidisciplinary hub connecting Terra Technica and other platforms, with current projects including HiPerGreen, KIEM 21st Century Skills, and SCOUT focusing on field validation of robotic systems.
Dr. Imran Ahmed serves as a Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence at Anglia Ruskin University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Computing and Information Science. With over 100 research publications exceeding 250 JCR impact factor and an h-index greater than 30, he represents a distinguished academic in computer science and engineering fields. Dr. Ahmed's research spans multiple domains of artificial intelligence, with particular expertise in machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, and data science. His work focuses on medical imaging applications including brain tumor detection, Covid-19 detection, pulmonary nodule classification, and liver lesion detection. He also pioneers research in surveillance systems, IoT-enabled environments, anomaly detection, and AI applications for sustainability in environmental monitoring and precision farming. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward practical AI applications in healthcare, environmental sustainability, and intelligent transportation systems. The research shows increasing emphasis on explainable AI, edge computing implementations, and interdisciplinary approaches that bridge computer science with medical, environmental, and industrial applications. His work consistently addresses real-world challenges with innovative technical solutions. World's top 2% scientists by Stanford University (2021, 2022) Double Gold Medallist Certificate of merit for brain MRI analysis for tumor detection Numerous awards for teaching, research, and administrative excellence Dr. Ahmed supervises research across multiple domains including medical imaging, healthcare informatics, surveillance systems, environmental monitoring, agricultural technology, recommender systems, anomaly detection, cyber security, public health, urban planning, smart cities, augmented reality, and human-computer interaction. His research projects include Human Surveillance and Activity Recognition, Data Analytics during Covid-19, Sustainable Healthcare applications, Deep Learning in Medical Imaging, and Sustainable Environmental Control frameworks. As Principal Investigator, he has led multiple funded projects integrating IoT and AI technologies for practical applications. He is actively involved in organizing technical sessions and workshops for IEEE conferences, particularly focusing on cybersecurity issues of IoT in Ambient Intelligence environments, connected intelligence for IoT applications, and real-time data processing in industrial contexts. His professional memberships include Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Senior Member of IEEE, Member of ACM Computer Society, and Senior Member of the Institute of Research Engineers and Doctors.
