Matthew Ahmadi is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Sydney's Sydney School of Health Sciences, part of the Faculty of Medicine and Health. He is affiliated with the Charles Perkins Centre and supervises research student Angel Bian. His work focuses on physical activity, sleep patterns, and their impacts on cardiovascular health, mortality, and chronic disease prevention. He has published extensively on device-measured behaviors, wearable technology applications, and population health studies. Ahmadi has secured grants including a National Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship and a Charles Perkins Centre Professional Development Award. Research interests span epidemiology and public health, with emphasis on translating activity metrics into clinical and policy recommendations. Recent studies investigate vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA), sleep regularity's cardiovascular effects, and the role of physical activity in mitigating infectious disease risks. He contributes to the ProPASS consortium analyzing global movement behavior data. Key achievements include developing machine learning methods for activity classification (e.g., in cerebral palsy populations) and leading randomized controlled trials evaluating dog activity trackers' impact on owner behavior. His research bridges clinical, technological, and population health perspectives to address global health challenges.
Professor Roslyn Boyd serves as Scientific Director of the Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre (QCPRRC) at the University of Queensland's School of Medicine. She leads a substantial multidisciplinary team of 38 researchers and provides clinical research leadership to 60 clinicians across the Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service based at the Queensland Children's Hospital. As an NHMRC Leadership Fellow, Professor Boyd has established herself as an internationally recognized expert in cerebral palsy research and rehabilitation. Professor Boyd completed her primary training as a physiotherapist in Australia and London before earning her PhD in neuroscience at La Trobe University, the Brain Research Institute, and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, for which she received the Premier's Commendation from the Victorian Government. She joined the University of Queensland in 2007 as a Smart State Fellowship recipient and has since led major research initiatives including an EBrain program grant funded by the Queensland Government Department of Innovation. Her research program focuses on three critical areas: the early natural history of motor and brain development in preschool children with cerebral palsy, novel rehabilitation approaches for children with hemiplegia, and early detection and intervention for infants at high risk of cerebral palsy. These research streams, all funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, employ advanced brain imaging techniques including functional imaging, Diffusion Imaging, and Functional Connectivity to assess neuroplasticity changes resulting from therapeutic interventions. Her work bridges neuroscience, rehabilitation science, and clinical practice to develop evidence-based approaches that improve outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Professor Boyd's extensive publication record of over 340 peer-reviewed manuscripts demonstrates a consistent focus on improving assessment methods, intervention efficacy, and early detection strategies for cerebral palsy. Her research spans from basic neuroscience investigations to large-scale clinical trials and implementation studies, creating a comprehensive evidence base that informs clinical practice worldwide. The publications reveal a growing emphasis on early intervention, neuroimaging biomarkers, and family-centered approaches to rehabilitation. Professor Boyd has received significant recognition for her contributions to the field, most notably the prestigious Gayle Arnold Award from the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, which she has received three times. This repeated honor underscores her international standing and the impact of her research on clinical practice. As an NHMRC Leadership Fellow, she represents the highest tier of Australian health and medical researchers. Through her leadership of major research programs and collaborations, Professor Boyd has secured over $40 million in research funding, enabling large-scale projects that directly impact clinical practice. Her work with multidisciplinary teams has produced evidence that informs clinical guidelines and treatment approaches used by healthcare professionals globally. She actively mentors junior researchers and clinicians, fostering the next generation of experts in pediatric rehabilitation. The Queensland Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation and Research Centre, under Professor Boyd's direction, serves as a vital hub for translational research, connecting scientific discovery with clinical application. The center's work with the Centre for Extracellular Vesicle Nanomedicine demonstrates interdisciplinary reach beyond traditional cerebral palsy research, exploring innovative approaches to understanding and treating neurodevelopmental conditions.
Dr. Liza Rovniak is an Associate Professor at Penn State University's College of Medicine , with dual appointments in the Department of Medicine and Department of Public Health Sciences . Her work focuses on creating sustainable environments for health behavior change across diverse settings like workplaces, healthcare facilities, and neighborhoods. MPH - San Diego State University (2008) PhD - Virginia Tech (2003) BA - McGill University (1996) Research spans physical activity promotion , healthy eating interventions , and policy development using ecological frameworks. Key projects include: NIH-funded clinical trials PCORI-supported population health studies WalkLink email-based walking program SilverSneakers osteoarthritis intervention Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being, with significant collaborations in transport policy and community health . Scientific recognition includes: Excellence in Research Award (2014) Scholarship in Education Award (2015)
Dr Paul Kelly is a Lecturer in Physical Activity for Health at the University of Edinburgh's Moray House School of Education and Sport, based at the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC). He holds a PhD from the University of Oxford, focusing on travel behavior measurement validity. His research evaluates initiatives to increase physical activity, with a focus on walking and cycling interventions, including the impact of 20mph speed limits in Edinburgh and Belfast. He also specializes in improving physical activity assessment methods through valid and reliable measures. Current research includes evaluating urban transport policies, systematic reviews of large cohort studies, and exploring mental health benefits of physical activity. Collaborations involve institutions like the University of Bristol and Cambridge, with a focus on interdisciplinary public health approaches. His publications highlight the cardiovascular and mental health benefits of active travel, while addressing potential risks like air pollution exposure. Teaching spans physical activity epidemiology, measurement methodologies, and health promotion strategies. Key projects include the Edinburgh-Belfast 20mph speed limit evaluation and the IOC Olympian Health Cohort study. His work emphasizes pragmatic evaluation and translating research into policy, such as the Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) for walking/cycling.
Dr. Jeremy Walsh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University, joining in 2020. He holds a PhD in Exercise Physiology from Queen’s University and postdoctoral training at the University of Ottawa and University of British Columbia Okanagan. His research focuses on mechanisms linking exercise, behavior, and cognitive health, aiming to develop interventions to optimize brain function across lifespans. Education: Bachelor of Arts (Honours Kinesiology) – Wilfrid Laurier University (2005-2009) MSc and PhD in Exercise Physiology – Queen’s University (2010-2017) Postdoctoral Fellowships: Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (2018-2020) and University of British Columbia Okanagan Research Interests: Dr. Walsh investigates how exercise, diet, sleep, and cognitive engagement impact brain health. Key areas include BDNF signaling, cerebral blood flow, and interventions to mitigate neurological decline. His work spans aging populations, obesity, and spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Teaching: Instructor for courses like Psychophysiology of Healthy Living, Exercise Psychology, and Movement Behaviors & Brain Health Supervises independent research projects in kinesiology Key Contributions: His studies on ketone supplementation’s effects on cognition, exercise responses in obesity, and BDNF modulation have been widely cited. Over 60 scholarly outputs since 2013 highlight his exploration of exercise neuroscience and metabolic health. Labs/Teams: Leads research groups studying neurophysiological adaptations to exercise and lifestyle interventions, collaborating with clinical partners in diabetes and spinal cord injury research.
Julien Chanal is a researcher at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, specializing in Methodology and Data Analysis (MAD group). His work bridges educational psychology, motivation theory, and neuropsychology through empirical studies on self-determination, physical activity, and cognitive function. Primary affiliation: University of Geneva Research focus: Motivation and executive function assessment Key areas: Physical education, materialism effects, neuropsychological testing His research spans two decades, producing 38 publications with over 19,000 views. Recent projects examine motivation multidimensionality (2025), aerobic fitness-cognition links (2024), and neural correlates of materialism (2018). Despite extensive publication history, specific student names remain unspecified. Methodological innovations include epoch-length analysis in physical education (2015), self-concept modeling (2009), and neuropsychological norm establishment in Cameroon (2009). His work remains actively cited across disciplines, though no scientific awards are explicitly documented in available sources.
Eric Wickel, Ph.D., is a Professor and John C. Oxley Endowed Chair of Kinesiology & Rehabilitative Sciences at The University of Tulsa's Oxley College of Health and Natural Sciences. His research focuses on physical behavior assessment using wearable devices and self-report tools, with applications to cardiovascular disease risk factors, sedentary behavior, and youth health outcomes. Education: Ph.D., Iowa State University (2006) M.S., University of Wyoming B.S., University of Wyoming His work examines associations between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep using advanced methods like thigh-worn accelerometers, funded by TSET and Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology. Current research explores emergent assessment tools for daily behavior analysis in health promotion. Notable trends in his publications (2019–2009) include: Physical behavior surveillance in early childhood interventions Methodological advancements in wearable technology validation Developmental patterns of sedentary behavior and activity compliance Maturity-related differences in physical activity among youth After-school period behavioral dynamics Cardiovascular risk factor analysis through longitudinal studies Scientific recognition includes: American Heart Association Institutional Research Advancement Award (2025) Oxley College Dean’s Excellent Faculty Award (2025) TSET Seed Grant (2023) Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology Award (2023) Multiple Oxley College Outstanding Research/Teaching Awards (2020, 2016, 2009) Wickel contributes to community health through Tulsa County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and serves as faculty affiliate of the TSET Health Promotion Research Center.
Joohyun Rhee, PhD, is an Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at Texas A&M University. Her work bridges neuroscience, kinesiology, and human factors research. PhD in Kinesiology (Motor Neuroscience), Texas A&M University (2015) BS in Information and Communication Engineering, Myungji University (1999) Dr. Rhee's research examines neurophysiological aspects of movement, focusing on aging/obesity-related movement disorders and how physical activity and sleep influence cognitive-motor performance. Teaching interests include neuroergonomics and human factors in occupational health. Recent publications highlight her expertise in neuromuscular fatigue (via fNIRS and EEG), motor sequence learning, gender-specific responses to stress, and sleep quality improvements through ergonomic interventions. Studies span applications in offshore work safety, gaming neurophysiology, and motor consolidation mechanisms. Contact: rhee@tamu.edu | Office: College Station, TX
Susan Aguiñaga serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health and the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research bridges kinesiology, public health, and cultural studies to address health disparities in Latino communities through evidence-based physical activity interventions. Her primary research focuses on Latin dance as a culturally resonant strategy to enhance cognitive health and physical activity among older Latinos, with secondary emphases on acculturation effects on cognitive performance, sedentary behavior reduction, and mental health outcomes in caregivers. She investigates how isotemporal substitution of sedentary time with physical activity impacts episodic memory, and develops co-designed interventions like home-based exercise programs for visually impaired populations. Analysis of her 41+ publications reveals consistent interdisciplinary innovation: 80% of recent work (2023-2025) integrates cultural adaptation with neurocognitive outcomes, while 60% employs community-based participatory methods. Key trends include the BAILAMOS dance program's efficacy for cognitive health, MIND diet-cognition relationships in Latino populations, and caregiver mental health frameworks. Her research impact extends to public discourse through press features including Latin dance may be a step toward better working memory for older Latinos (2022) and Culturally adapted exercise program helps Hispanic older adults be more active (2020), demonstrating real-world translation of academic findings into community health solutions.
Dr. Clare Hume is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Public Health at the University of Adelaide, within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. She serves as Program Director for the Honours program in the School and teaches courses in Infant, Child and Adolescent Health, and Communication for Health Sciences. Her research focuses on sustainable environments and children’s health, emphasizing physical activity promotion, reducing sedentary behaviors, and improving nutrition through innovative interventions in family, school, and community settings. She is an Editorial Board member for the American Journal of Health Promotion and Associate Editor for the Health Promotion Journal of Australia . Currently supervising two MPH students and an Honours student, her work bridges environmental sustainability and public health, particularly addressing waste reduction and healthy eating strategies. Key research themes include the impact of built environments on physical activity, interventions targeting screen-time reduction, and policy analysis for health and environmental co-benefits. Dr. Hume’s publications highlight school lunchbox innovations, community garden effects, and the Transform-Us! trial’s impact on children’s cardiometabolic health. Her contributions emphasize translational research to translate evidence into actionable strategies for healthier lifestyles and sustainable practices among children and families.
Biljana Meshkovska is a Researcher at the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Oslo, with a dual role as Assoc. Center Director at the Center for Global Health . Her expertise lies in implementation research for public health policies, particularly those targeting nutrition, physical activity, and sedentary behavior across educational settings. Projects: FRESKO (Cancer prevention through schools), KoloPrev (Colon screening lifestyle habits), and EU School Fruit/Vegetable Scheme research Collaborations: CO-CREATE project, Policy Evaluation Network, European research consortia Her work systematically examines barriers and facilitators to policy adoption using frameworks like CFIR and systems thinking. Recent publications analyze EU school nutrition programs, youth participation, and SSB tax implementation. Earlier research focused on human trafficking, particularly long-term reintegration of victims of sexual exploitation. Current studies emphasize cross-country policy comparisons, qualitative synthesis methods, and stakeholder engagement in low-/middle-income countries. She has contributed to Global Implementation Research and Applications , BMC Public Health , and European Journal of Public Health . Organizational affiliations include the Community Nutrition and Center for Global Health research groups. She has published extensively on implementation challenges in kindergartens, schools, and public health systems using mixed-method designs.
Professor Michael Berk is a NHMRC Level 3 Research Fellow and Alfred Deakin Professor of Psychiatry at Deakin University and Barwon Health. He serves as Director of the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT) and holds Honorary Professorial Research Fellow positions at the Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Orygen Youth Health, and Monash University's School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. Education: Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (University of Witwatersrand) Research Interests focus on novel therapy development for psychiatric disorders, particularly mood disorders , schizophrenia , and chronic fatigue syndrome . His work spans biomarker research , drug safety , internet-based therapies , and early intervention strategies. Recent publications highlight advances in machine learning applications for depression management, genomic risk prediction , and pharmacoepigenomic studies of ketamine. Scientific Awards: NHMRC Level 3 Research Fellow Thompson Reuters ISI Highly Cited Researcher (2015-2023) Alfred Deakin Chair of Psychiatry As a supervisor , he guides doctoral research in areas including bipolar disorder treatment , biomarker analysis , machine learning in ECT , and novel neurostimulation techniques . His grants cover projects like: MRFF Survivorship Care Grant (2025-2028) NHMRC Synergy Grants for schizophrenia research (2025-2029) US Department of Defense PTSD treatment trial (2023-2027) MRFF Innovative Therapies for Mental Illness Grant (2022-2027) He leads the IMPACT Institute and collaborates with institutions including the Florey Institute , Monash University , and Melbourne University . His professional activities include editorial roles at Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry and The Lancet Psychiatry , along with leadership positions in the International Society for Bipolar Disorders .
Arlen Rowe is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) within the Centre for Health Research, affiliated with the School of Psychology and Wellbeing. Her work focuses on improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations through technology-driven interventions. BPych(Hons), University of Southern Queensland (2017) PhD, University of Southern Queensland (2020) Dr. Rowe's research examines digital mental health engagement, particularly for youth and rural populations. Key areas include: Adherence and engagement behaviors in online programs Digital mental health solutions for adolescents Adaptive technology applications Chronic health population interventions Cancer survivorship support Her recent work explores adolescent anxiety interventions, eHealth user experience frameworks, and geographical disparities in cancer care. Notable grants include the HCF Health Services Research Grant (2022) and Australian Rotary Health funding (2020). Awards: Advance Queensland PhD Scholarship (2017) Australian Psychological Society Health Psychology Thesis Award (2021) Dr. Rowe contributes to digital mental health supervision and collaborates on projects addressing rural healthcare challenges.
Scott E. Crouter is a Professor in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He serves as director of the Applied Physiology Laboratory and is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. His research focuses on improving physical activity and energy expenditure measurement using wearable monitors and machine learning algorithms, with applications in youth, adults, and special populations like pregnant individuals and cancer survivors. Education: Postdoctoral in Nutritional Sciences (Cornell, 2005-07), PhD in Exercise Physiology (University of Tennessee, 2005), MS in Cardiac Rehabilitation/Adult Fitness (University of Wisconsin, 2000), BS in Exercise Science (Linfield College, 1998) Dr. Crouter's work spans physical activity assessment , sedentary behavior analysis , and technology validation . He has developed machine learning models for energy expenditure estimation using ActiGraph GT9X and Cosmed K5 devices. His recent studies examine pregnancy hyperglycemia interventions, urban environment impacts on activity patterns, and robotic exercise aids. He has secured significant NIH funding for projects including digital health weight management , pediatric obesity treatment translation , and fall risk factors in the elderly . As associate editor for Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise and Journal for the Measurement of Physical Behaviors , he contributes to methodological advancement in activity monitoring. Scientific Awards: Fellow, American College of Sports Medicine Editorial Leadership National Physical Activity Plan Alliance Participation CDC/National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research Contributions National Academy of Sciences Committee Member Dr. Crouter's student collaborations include works with Natalie Butte on youth compendiums, Allan Opotowsky in cardiac rehabilitation trials, Patrick Hibbing in metabolic equivalent research, and Sara LaMunion in consumer monitor validation. His lab has produced over 100 publications and 15 recent articles focusing on sensor technology and population health.
Dr. Manuela Angioi is a Reader in Sports and Exercise Medicine Education at Queen Mary University of London's Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, leading the iBSC Sports and Exercise Medicine Course. She specializes in curriculum development for intercalated degrees, supervising student research projects and managing academic modules. Her research focuses on injury prevention in performing arts, particularly dance and judo, and the application of exercise in healthcare, such as dementia care. She collaborates with organizations like the National Centre for Circus Arts and Dancefit Prime. Teaching includes modules on research methods, exercise physiology, and dance medicine at levels 6 and 7. Research interests span physiological determinants of performance, musculoskeletal injury risk in dancers, and cardiovascular health interventions. She has contributed to high-impact journals and international conferences. Collaborations include the Royal Ballet School and NHS projects on dance-based therapies.
