Natalie H. Brito is an Associate Professor of Applied Psychology at New York University (NYU), affiliated with the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Her research focuses on how early social and cultural contexts shape neurocognitive development in infants and toddlers, particularly in areas of attention, memory, and socio-emotional skills. Prior to NYU, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center and was a Robert Wood Johnson Health and Society Scholar. Dr. Brito’s work bridges developmental psychology, neuroscience, and public policy, emphasizing the need for equitable environments that support healthy child development. She has received prestigious awards such as the APS Rising Star Award and NIH grants, reflecting her impactful contributions to understanding developmental trajectories. Her research also extends to policy implications, such as the effects of paid maternal leave on infant brain function and the role of structural inequities in maternal mental health. Key themes include early life stress, gut microbiome influences, and the neurobiological underpinnings of cognitive development. Dr. Brito has published extensively in journals like Child Development , Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience , and JAMA Psychiatry , with a focus on innovative methodologies (e.g., the OWLET gaze-tracking tool). She teaches courses on developmental psychology and the principles of applied psychology, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to human development. Her scientific accolades include recognition from the International Society of Developmental Psychobiology and the American Psychological Association, underscoring her leadership in advancing developmental science and equity-focused research.
Qingguo Li is a Professor and Associate Head at the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering , Queen's University , and a member of the Ingenuity Labs Research Institute . He specializes in biomechanical system design, energy harvesting, wearable sensors, gait analysis, and load carriage systems. His research integrates robotics, biomedical engineering, and sensor technology to develop human-centric devices and mobility aids. Current Roles : Professor, Associate Head, Queen's University Research Institute : Ingenuity Labs Research Institute Lab : Bio-Mechatronics and Robotics Laboratory His work focuses on biomechanical energy harvesting , IMU-based motion analysis , and assistive device development . Key applications include stroke rehabilitation, gait monitoring, and wearable power generation systems. Articles span cable-driven robots , smart walkers , and 3D printing mechanisms , emphasizing human-robot interaction and dynamic modeling . The lab explores sensor calibration , adaptive control algorithms , and human movement optimization . Areas of impact include rehabilitation engineering , load carriage stability , wearable sensor accuracy , and assistive robotics . His team develops solutions for gait asymmetry detection , post-stroke mobility , and low-cost energy systems , leveraging machine learning and kinetic modeling .
Mohamed Bouri is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he is affiliated with the School of Engineering (STI) and specifically the Microengineering Department (SCI-STI-MB). He is part of the ReHAssist research group (http://rehassist.epfl.ch), which focuses on rehabilitation robotics and human-robot interaction. His office is located in the MED Building (MED 3 1016) at Station 9, 1015 Lausanne. Dr. Bouri's research spans several key areas in robotics and rehabilitation engineering. His primary focus is on the development and control of exoskeleton systems for mobility assistance and rehabilitation. He has made significant contributions to hip exoskeleton technology, adaptive control strategies, and human-robot interaction paradigms. His work bridges engineering principles with clinical applications, particularly for individuals with mobility impairments and neurological conditions. Additional research interests include sensory substitution techniques, balance control systems, and astronomical instrumentation involving robotic fiber positioners for multi-object spectrographs. Analysis of Dr. Bouri's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on practical applications of robotics in rehabilitation settings. His work increasingly focuses on user-centered design, adaptive control systems that respond to individual user needs, and ecological validity in testing environments. There's a clear trend toward developing systems that can function effectively in real-world scenarios rather than controlled laboratory settings. His research also shows growing integration of physiological feedback mechanisms and multimodal sensing to enhance human-robot cooperation, with applications spanning from Parkinson's disease rehabilitation to astronomical instrumentation. Dr. Bouri has supervised numerous doctoral students whose theses reflect the breadth of his research interests, including work on lower-limb exoskeletons, robotic control systems, and rehabilitation technologies. His collaborative approach is evident in the extensive list of co-authored publications across multiple institutions and disciplines, demonstrating his ability to bridge engineering with clinical and astronomical applications. Based at EPFL's Microengineering Department, Dr. Bouri leads research activities within the ReHAssist laboratory, which specializes in rehabilitation assistance technologies. The lab focuses on developing innovative robotic solutions for mobility assistance, with particular expertise in exoskeleton design, control algorithms, and human-robot interaction paradigms. His work on projects like TWIICE One has demonstrated real-world impact in assistive technology development.
Mathias Funk is an Associate Professor in the Industrial Design department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), leading the Things Ecology lab. His research focuses on designing with data and systems behavior, particularly in IoT and medical technology contexts. He co-founded UXsuite GmbH and developed the OOCSI communication framework. With a PhD in Electrical Engineering from TU/e (2011), Funk has held academic roles since 2013, including postdoctoral positions in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Design. He teaches courses like 'Data-enabled design' and supervises projects on AI, data foundry, and OOCSI applications. His work bridges engineering and design, addressing sustainability and human values through systemic design approaches. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering, TU/e (2011) Computer Science background from RWTH Aachen Postdoc at TU/e's Electrical Engineering and Industrial Design departments Research Interests: Data-driven design methodologies, IoT systems, medical technology innovation, sustainable design practices, and interactive systems for musical expression. Recent work emphasizes telemonitoring efficacy in heart failure care and federated learning applications. Awards: Best Paper Award (2014) Honorable Mention (2021) Grants/Projects: Leading initiatives like MEDICAID (medtech solutions), ACACIA (interpretable AI), and Data-Driven Servitizing in Professional Printing. Active in clinical workflow prototyping and cardiovascular disease detection projects. Lab Activities: Manages the Things Ecology lab, focusing on systemic design challenges in smart ecosystems. Collaborates internationally through spin-offs and visiting lectureships.
Bruno Takahashi is the Brandt Endowed Professor of Environmental Communication at Michigan State University, holding a joint appointment in the School of Journalism and AgBioResearch. He serves as Research Director of the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism and maintains affiliations with the Health and Risk Communication Center, the Environmental Science and Policy Program, and the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at MSU. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Dr. Takahashi earned his bachelor's degree in communication from Universidad de Lima, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Environmental Science from SUNY ESF. Bachelor's in Communication, Universidad de Lima, Peru M.S. in Environmental Science, SUNY ESF Ph.D. in Environmental Science (specializing in environmental communication and participatory processes), SUNY ESF Dr. Takahashi's research program focuses on news coverage of environmental issues, environmental journalism practices in Latin America and U.S. Latino media, and identity in science communication. His work emphasizes counter-hegemonic environmental discourses in Latin American contexts, examining complex networks of actors, media, and communication processes embedded in post-colonial and social and environmental justice dynamics. He has conducted extensive field research in Peru, Bolivia, and Puerto Rico, with particular attention to environmental communication during disasters and in Indigenous communities. His recent scholarly output reveals a strong trend toward examining climate change communication through diverse cultural lenses, with significant attention to Latin American perspectives, immigrant experiences in the United States, and identity factors in science communication. His publications frequently address decolonial approaches to environmental communication and the need for more inclusive international scholarship that centers Global South perspectives. Scientific awards and recognitions include: 2024 AEJMC First Place in Latin American Communication Research 2021 Fellow of the Institute for Diverse Leadership, AEJMC 2019 Knudson Latin America Book Prize Multiple top paper awards from ICA and AEJMC conferences Dr. Takahashi actively mentors a diverse research team of Ph.D. students, post-doctoral associates, and MA students, with former students now holding positions at universities including University of Nevada, University of Minnesota, and Emory University. His research is supported by significant grants including a $2.8 million NSF grant for the SciComm Identities Project, funding from the Climate and Land Use Alliance, and multiple State Department and Embassy grants for environmental journalism training in Latin America. He has developed and led education abroad programs to Peru (2018, 2024) and the Netherlands/Belgium (2022), providing experiential learning opportunities for students in environmental communication. As Research Director of the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism, Dr. Takahashi leads initiatives supporting environmental journalists globally. His current projects include examining environmental discourses in the Peruvian Amazon related to oil spills affecting Indigenous communities, studying decolonial environmental journalism practices in Bolivia and Peru, and co-leading Working Group 5 on Public Engagement and Governance for The Lancet Countdown Latin America, which has generated significant media coverage in outlets like CNN and El País.
Dr. Karen Cochrane is an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a focus on wearable and tangible computing for mental health and accessibility. Her research integrates soma design, autoethnography, and design fiction to address the needs of underrepresented communities, particularly those with disabilities. Key projects include developing assistive technologies for queer/crip identities, accessible gaming wearables, and tactile interfaces for sensory exploration. She explores embodied experiences through multidisciplinary approaches, blending traditional craft practices with modern computational tools. Her work prioritizes participatory design methodologies, collaborating with occupational therapists, disabled communities, and neurodivergent individuals to co-create inclusive technologies. Recent innovations include VARitouch (a haptic feedback device), Breathing Scarf (for emotional regulation), and adaptive switches for children with motor disabilities. Her research extends into sensory narratives, exploring how fabric and data can articulate bodily experiences through projects like Sensory Data Dialogues and Queer/Crip Body Mapping. While no formal grants or awards are listed, her publications reflect a strong focus on ethical technology, accessibility, and embodied interaction. Current projects emphasize the intersection of wearable tech with identity expression, mindfulness practices, and neuromotor rehabilitation. She actively designs prototypes that bridge clinical needs with creative technology solutions, though specific lab affiliations or team collaborations are not detailed in available texts.
Jana Kainerstorfer is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), with courtesy appointments in the Neuroscience Institute and Electrical & Computer Engineering. She serves as Associate Department Head for Faculty and Graduate Affairs within the College of Engineering. Her research focuses on developing non-invasive optical imaging methods for disease detection and treatment monitoring, particularly in diffuse optical imaging. Key areas include cerebral hemodynamic monitoring in traumatic brain injury and handheld devices for breast cancer imaging. Dr. Kainerstorfer holds senior membership in the Optical Society of America and has received prestigious awards such as the NIH Trailblazer Award and AHA Scientist Development Grant. She leads the Biophotonics Lab, which bridges engineering and clinical applications, emphasizing translational research. Education: PhD from University of Vienna/NIH (2010), Postdoc at Tufts University Research Interests Her work revolves around biomedical optics , neurophotonics , and medical device innovation . Current projects include: Non-invasive cerebral hemodynamic monitoring Transabdominal fetal pulse oximetry Optical imaging in extreme environments (e.g., freediving physiology) Her lab develops tools like wearable NIRS for marine mammals and self-calibrating pulse oximetry algorithms. Research spans clinical translation and physiological mechanism discovery , with emphasis on microvascular imaging. Awards & Recognition NIH Trailblazer Award (2020) AHA Scientist Development Grant SPIE Fellow (2022) George Tallman Ladd Award (CMU) Lab & Collaborations The Biophotonics Lab collaborates with neurosurgery, oncology, and marine biology teams. Projects address clinical needs in neurocritical care and fetal monitoring, leveraging optical technologies for real-time diagnostics. Ongoing work includes: Optical assessment of cerebral metabolic rates Non-invasive intracranial pressure estimation Multi-modal EEG-NIRS fusion for neural source localization
Cristina Baus Marquez is a Research Fellow at the University of Barcelona's Faculty of Psychology, affiliated with the Department of Cognition, Development, and Educational Psychology. She holds a Ramon y Cajal Research Fellowship (2020–2025) and leads research in the Brain Dynamics and Structure of Human Cognition (BraCo) group. Her work focuses on cognitive neuroscience, bilingualism, and language processing, with a particular emphasis on electrophysiological and behavioral studies of language production, perception, and social cognition. Education: Bachelor's Degree (Llicenciatura) in Psychology, University of Barcelona (2003) PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and Specific Educational Needs, Universidad de La Laguna (2010) Research Interests include the neural mechanisms underlying bilingual speech production, cross-modal language interactions, and how linguistic experience shapes perception of faces and voices. She employs EEG/ERP techniques to study self-monitoring processes in bilinguals and investigates the role of iconicity in sign language production. Key Projects: Ramón y Cajal Fellowship (2020–2025): Investigates verbal interactions and learning mechanisms Fundación BIAL Grant (2017–2019): Explored electrophysiology of bimodal bilingualism AGAUR Grant (2018–2020): Studied verbal interactions' cognitive mechanisms Labs/Teams: Active member of the BraCo research group, collaborating internationally on multilingualism and cognitive neuroscience projects.
Ruth Kanfer is a Professor of Psychology at the Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Psychology, specializing in adult learning, motivation, and career development. Her research addresses the impacts of technological advancements, demographic shifts, and global economic changes on work and career trajectories. She co-directs the PARK Lab, focusing on topics such as self-regulation in job search, motivational dynamics, and the psychology of workplace environments. Dr. Kanfer holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Arizona State University and has contributed to seminal works on aging and workforce diversity. She is a Fellow of prominent organizations including the Academy of Management and the American Psychological Association, and has received prestigious awards such as the SIOP's William R. Owens Scholarly Achievement Award. Her research employs mixed-methods approaches, including experimental studies and large-scale field research. Key themes include adult learning efficacy, team-based motivation, and the design of workspaces to enhance employee well-being. Dr. Kanfer has led projects funded by the Sloan Foundation and the National Academy of Sciences, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Notable contributions include studies on the future of work, the role of future time perspective in career decisions, and the application of a 'whole-person' framework to adult learning. Her work has been published in journals like Journal of Applied Psychology and American Psychologist . She actively participates in professional committees, including the Sloan Research Network on Aging and Work and the National Academy of Sciences' How People Learn II initiative.
Thomas DC Little is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering at Boston University. He serves as the Associate Dean for Educational Initiatives, driving the growth of the engineering master’s program and enhancing pedagogy through mobile and cloud technologies. Additionally, he is the Associate Director and Principal Investigator of the National Science Foundation Smart Lighting Engineering Research Center (LESA), a multi-institutional effort advancing visible light communication and smart lighting systems. Professor Little's research centers on ubiquitous computing and communications, with a focus on using optical cells to expand wireless data capacity for mobile devices. He pioneers ambient intelligence that enables environments to anticipate human needs. His key areas include Visible Light Communications (VLC), Optical Wireless Communications, Indoor Positioning Systems, and Smart Lighting. By integrating lighting infrastructure with communication networks, his work addresses the growing demand for wireless data and enables energy-efficient, responsive smart buildings and urban environments. Analysis of his recent publications (2019-2024) shows a strong trend toward occupancy sensing, indoor positioning, and hybrid RF/VLC networks. His team develops innovative solutions for people counting, zone-based positioning, and interference mitigation in dense optical wireless environments. There is increasing integration of machine learning for security and optimization, with applications in energy-efficient buildings and user-centric smart spaces. Scientific awards received by Professor Little include: Janetos Award for Continuous Indoor Air Quality Assessment for BU Buildings (2025) Professor Little actively mentors graduate students and postdocs, with notable advisees including Iman Abdalla (awarded Best Computer Engineering Dissertation, 2020-2021) and the MenuNav team (Societal Impact Award for a navigation app for the blind). He has secured significant research funding, including a $1M Department of Energy/ARPA-E project for occupancy sensing to reduce energy costs in commercial buildings and grants for indoor air quality sensor development. He leads the NSF Smart Lighting ERC (LESA), which develops COSSY people counting technology, sensory lighting systems, and dynamic light control applications. His team collaborates with industry and has spun off Helux Technologies, Inc. to commercialize dynamic lighting control. Current projects focus on creating safe, energy-efficient buildings through advanced sensor integration and wireless communication.
Prof. Dr. Heiner Rindermann is a Professor of Educational and Developmental Psychology at Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC). Affiliated with TUC's Institute of Psychology under the Behavioural and Social Sciences school, his work bridges educational practices and cognitive development. Academic Timeline: 1988-1993 Heidelberg RA, 1994-1999 LMU Munich RA, 1999-2007 Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg RA, 2001 University of Graz visiting professor, 2003-2004 University of Kassel interim, 2004-2006 Saarland University interim, 2006-2007 Paderborn University interim, 2008-2010 University of Graz Professor, 2010-present TUC Professor. Educational Background: 1972-1985 Baden-Württemberg schools, 1986-1995 University of Heidelberg (PhD 1995), 2005 Landau habilitation. Research Interests focus on cognitive competence development , cross-cultural comparisons , intelligence-societal development links , kindergarten quality assessments , and international comparative studies . His work examines psychometric vs. Piagetian frameworks, emotional competence, and educational program evaluation. Academic Contributions include the William-Stern-Preis (2007) , APS Fellowship (2010) , and Mexican National Award of Giftedness (2016) . He serves on editorial boards for journals like Zeitschrift für Pädagogische Psychologie and Intelligence , and reviews for over 40 journals and institutions. Projects include BMBF-funded SoKonBe (external educational consultation using socio-cognitive conflicts) and international collaborations like the Study of Latin American Intelligence with Earl Hunt and Jelte Wicherts. His publications span books including Cognitive Capitalism (Cambridge University Press, 2018) and chapters in encyclopedias.
Erik Scheme is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), and serves as Associate Director of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME). He holds a PhD and is a Professional Engineer (PEng). His roles include advising the Dr. J. Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management and Entrepreneurship, emphasizing innovation in biomedical technologies and healthcare systems. His research focuses on advanced human-machine interaction through biomedical engineering, with a strong emphasis on myoelectric prosthetics, wearable sensors, and machine learning applications. Key areas include improving neuroprosthetic control via incremental learning, gait analysis using underfoot pressure sensors, and developing robust EMG-based gesture recognition systems. His work bridges clinical needs with technological innovation, addressing challenges in rehabilitation, activity monitoring, and user-centric design. Recent publications highlight advancements in adaptive control systems, sensor fusion, and ethical data practices in healthcare. His contributions span both theoretical frameworks (e.g., self-supervised learning models) and applied technologies (e.g., gold-plated 3D-printed electrodes). Dr. Scheme collaborates across disciplines, integrating robotics, signal processing, and clinical validation to create impactful solutions. His lab, affiliated with IBME, actively explores emerging areas like exhaled breath analysis for disease detection and federated learning in healthcare data analytics.
Professor Anna Remington is the Director of UCL's Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE) and holds the title of Professor of Autism Research within the Department of Psychology & Human Development at University College London's Faculty of Education and Society. She joined UCL in 2013 and became CRAE's Director in 2017, focusing on research addressing autism's perceptual and cognitive strengths while emphasizing participatory methods involving autistic communities. Her work bridges academic research with practical initiatives, such as the Deutsche Bank internship program for autistic graduates. Anna completed her BA in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge before pursuing an MSc in Human Communication Science and a PhD in Developmental Science at UCL. Her postdoctoral roles included positions at UCL's Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Oxford University. Her research explores superior perceptual and attentional abilities in autism, translating findings into strategies for improving employment opportunities and societal inclusion. Her awards reflect her commitment to impact, including the UCL Knowledge Exchange Champions Award (2016) and ESRC Impact Prize (2020 finalist). She teaches on UCL's MA programs in Special and Inclusive Education, Educational Neuroscience, and Psychology of Education, supervising students across these disciplines. Collaborations extend to institutions like Birkbeck and City University, with enterprise initiatives such as Mini Manuscript (co-founded with Jake Fairnie). She actively engages in public events like the Brain Detectives Science Club and advises organizations on supporting autistic employees. Current projects include studies on autistic experiences in the family justice system, perceptual capacities in autism/ADHD, and promoting autistic employment through policy and practice.
Jack Peltz, PhD, serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, Philosophy, and Neuroscience Programs at the State University of New York at Brockport. His academic career focuses on the intersection of developmental psychopathology, sleep science, and family systems dynamics, with particular emphasis on adolescent and college-age populations. His educational background includes: PhD in Clinical Psychology (Concentration: Developmental Psychopathology; Certificate: Quantitative Methods), University of Rochester, 2013 MA in Clinical Psychology, University of Rochester, 2010 MA in Child Development (Concentration: Clinical and Developmental Psychology), Tufts University, 2007 BA in Japanese, Middlebury College, 1996 Dr. Peltz's research program centers on developmental psychopathology and sleep regulation , investigating bidirectional relationships between sleep disturbances and family functioning. As a clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep health for children and families, he develops community-based interventions to promote sleep hygiene. His work uniquely bridges quantitative methodology with clinical applications, examining how economic stressors, social media influences, and developmental transitions impact sleep-wake patterns. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) sleep as a mediator between adverse childhood experiences and psychological outcomes, (2) technology-mediated sleep disruptions (including wearable devices and social media), and (3) developmental transitions (puberty, college entry) affecting sleep-family dynamics. His methodological approach combines longitudinal designs, ambulatory EEG, and mixed-methods analysis to capture real-time sleep-family interactions across diverse populations including youth with visual impairments.
Kathleen H. Sienko is the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering. She directs the Sienko Research Group, a multidisciplinary lab focused on developing technological solutions at the intersection of healthcare and engineering. Her work spans medical device design, design science, and engineering education with a strong emphasis on global health contexts. Dr. Sienko earned her Ph.D. in Medical Engineering and Bioastronautics from the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology (HST) program in 2007, an S.M. in Aeronautics & Astronautics from MIT in 2000, and a B.S. in Materials Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1998. Ph.D., Medical Engineering and Bioastronautics, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, 2007 S.M., Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2000 B.S., Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, 1998 Her research focuses on sensory augmentation, rehabilitation engineering, biomechanics, and medical device design with emphasis on global health contexts and task-shifting devices. She has pioneered efforts to incorporate global health technology constraints within engineering design education at undergraduate and graduate levels, establishing field sites in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia where numerous devices have been conceptualized and refined with local stakeholders. Her work in design science examines how and when designers use prototypes in development cycles and how prototypes assist during stakeholder interactions and user requirements identification. Her recent publications reveal a strong trend toward human-centered approaches in global health design, with increasing focus on stakeholder engagement, contextual factors in engineering design, and equity considerations in health technology development. Her work bridges biomechanics, rehabilitation engineering, and design methodology with applications in balance assessment, medical device development for low-resource settings, and engineering education. Dr. Sienko has received numerous prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award, University Undergraduate Teaching Award, Provost's Teaching Innovation Prize, and the Miller Faculty Scholar Endowed Award. Her recognition spans teaching excellence, research innovation, and outreach contributions. NSF CAREER Award, 2009 Provost's Teaching Innovation Prize, 2012 Miller Faculty Scholar Endowed Award, 2013 University Undergraduate Teaching Award, 2012 Raymond J. and Monica E. Schultz Outreach and Diversity Award, 2011 She has advised numerous graduate students including Nick Moses (who defended his dissertation in December 2023), Lucy Spicher, Marty Kilbane, and Ibrahim Mohedas. Her research has been supported by significant grants from the National Science Foundation, including the CAREER program, Research Initiation Grants in Engineering Education, and the Graduate Research Fellowship program, as well as funding from the University of Michigan's Rackham Merit Fellows program and Center for Research on Learning and Teaching. The Sienko Research Group operates as a talented multidisciplinary lab developing novel methodologies to create technological solutions addressing pressing societal needs at the healthcare-engineering intersection. Current research thrusts include Design Science, Autonomous Vehicles, Balance, Sensory Augmentation, and Wearable Devices, with particular emphasis on how design ethnography can inform medical device development and how engineering students develop ethnographic skills for global health contexts.