Oury Monchi is a Full Professor of Radiology at the University of Montréal and Scientific Director of the Research Center at the Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal. His work focuses on understanding cognitive deficits in Parkinson’s disease and neurodegenerative disorders using advanced neuroimaging techniques like fMRI, TMS, and PET. He holds leadership roles in the Canadian-Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN) and has been affiliated with institutions like the University of Calgary and CRIUGM. Education: PhD in Computational Neuroscience from King’s College London. Key research projects include the UNIQUE initiative (Neuroscience-AI integration) and studies on pain mechanisms in Parkinson’s. He supervises research on cognitive function, motor circuits, and neural connectivity in aging populations. Over 150 publications span neuroimaging biomarkers, genetic associations, and therapeutic interventions.
Dr. Rudrarup Bhattacharjee is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide. His research focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders, epigenetic mechanisms, and mRNA export factors like THOC2. He is affiliated with the Polo Group at the Adelaide Centre for Epigenetics and eligible to co-supervise Masters and PhD students in projects related to neurodevelopmental disorders and epigenetics. His research combines molecular biology, genomics, and proteomics to investigate mechanisms underlying neurological conditions. Recent projects include studying THOC2-associated disorders and exploring epigenetic therapies for Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome. He has contributed to grants such as the MRFF Stem Cells Therapies Mission (2024-2025) and the Therapeutic Innovation Australia (TIA) Pipeline Accelerator (2024-2025). Teaching: Demonstrator/Tutor for Physiology 2B (2023), Guest Lecturer on Precision Medicine (2024). Supervision: Co-supervising Honours student Angela Kloutsiniotis on meningioma epigenetics. Labs/Teams: Active member of the Polo Group and Adelaide Centre for Epigenetics. His work bridges basic research and translational medicine, emphasizing multiomic approaches and CRISPR/Cas9 applications.
Susanne Pfefferle is a researcher affiliated with the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). She specializes in virology, molecular diagnostics, and infectious disease research, with a focus on emerging pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and monkeypox virus. Her work includes developing diagnostic assays, studying viral pathogenesis, and investigating immune responses in immunocompromised patients. Publications highlight her contributions to understanding viral tropism (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 in ocular tissues), evaluating antiviral therapies (tecovirimat for mpox), and analyzing epidemiological trends in vulnerable populations (homeless individuals). Her research bridges clinical and molecular aspects of infectious diseases, emphasizing translational applications in diagnostics and public health. Key Research Interests: Virology, molecular diagnostics, emerging infectious diseases, SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, and immune responses.
Erick Janssen serves as Professor & Director of the Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies at KU Leuven, where he leads the Department of Neurosciences and directs the Master's Program in Human Sexuality. Concurrently, he holds a Senior Research Fellowship at The Kinsey Institute, reflecting his transnational impact on sexual science research and policy development. Education: Ph.D. in Psychology, Universiteit van Amsterdam (1995) M.A. in Psychology, Universiteit van Amsterdam (1988) Research Focus: Dr. Janssen's work centers on sexual psychophysiology and dyadic sexual dynamics , with pioneering contributions to the Dual Control Model of Sexual Response (co-developed with John Bancroft). This framework examines individual differences in sexual excitation/inhibition propensities across 75,000+ participants globally. His methodology integrates fMRI neuroimaging , ecological momentary assessment , and psychophysiological measurement to explore sexual dysfunction, aggression, and relationship dynamics. Publication Trends: Recent work (2023-2025) reveals three dominant trajectories: (1) Dyadic approaches to sexual desire using real-time couple assessment, (2) Network analysis applications in forensic sexual risk prediction, and (3) Ethical development of research stimuli emphasizing consent/pleasure expression. Over 60% of current publications involve multinational European collaborations. Scientific Recognition: Hugo Beigel Award (twice) for Journal of Sex Research publications SSTAR Award for student-led theoretical work Reiss Theory Award for conceptual contributions IASR Best Student Manuscript Award Leadership & Collaboration: As Past-President of the International Academy of Sex Research and Chair of WAS Scientific Committee, Dr. Janssen directs KU Leuven's psychophysiology lab while coordinating the SexLab (global sexual psychophysiology network) and EuroSex (European research consortium). His grant portfolio includes EU-funded projects across 8 countries investigating sexual health in aging populations and forensic risk factors. Research Infrastructure: He maintains active psychophysiology laboratories at KU Leuven specializing in genital pulse amplitude measurement (including clitoral plethysmography) and fMRI-based sexual response classification (BASIC model). Current projects include the UN-MENAMAIS study on LGB+ health in Belgium and the Kinsey Reporter citizen science initiative.
Rick Roels is a researcher at the Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies (IFSS) within the Department of Neurosciences at KU Leuven, integrating his expertise as a psychiatrist-psychotherapist and sexologist to explore intersections of medical science, human sexuality, and psychotherapy. His work emphasizes dyadic processes and biopsychosocial mechanisms in sexual health. His educational background includes: Bachelor of Medicine (KU Leuven, 2007-2009) Master of Medicine (KU Leuven, 2009-2014) Master in Specialist Medicine, Psychiatry (KU Leuven, 2014-2022) Master of Human Sexuality Studies, MSc (KU Leuven, 2015-2019) Postgraduate Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (KU Leuven, 2015-2019) PhD in Biomedical Sciences (KU Leuven, 2016-2022) Roels' research investigates sexual well-being, dysfunction, and relational dynamics through lenses of psychophysiology, attachment theory, and neuroendocrinology. His work examines how individual factors (e.g., attachment styles) and dyadic variables (e.g., sexual similarity) interact with biological markers like oxytocin to influence sexual health outcomes, particularly within couples and clinical populations. His publications (2017-2022) consistently focus on communication patterns, physiological correlates, and satisfaction metrics in sexual relationships. Methodologies span observational couple studies, hormonal assays, and psychometric analysis, revealing how sexual frequency, communication quality, and biological factors collectively shape relational well-being. Scientific Awards: None mentioned. Grants: Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) doctoral grant (2016-2022) Advising: No formal students listed; doctoral supervision by Prof. Erick Janssen. Labs and Teams: Active in IFSS research environment conducting couple-based studies with psychophysiological and hormonal measurements within KU Leuven's Department of Neurosciences.
Matthew Clements is an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School , affiliated with the Department of Surgery . His academic appointment spans both the UMass Chan Medical School and the T.H. Chan School of Medicine . Education: BS in Biochemistry from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University MS in Clinical Research from University of Virginia MD from University of Virginia School of Medicine Research Interests: Dr. Clements specializes in urology and oncology , with a focus on bladder cancer , prostate cancer , and robotic surgical procedures . His work emphasizes health-related quality of life assessments in surgical oncology and the use of validated clinical instruments for outcome measurement. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2023-2025) highlight advancements in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer treatment, robotic-assisted surgery outcomes, and prostate cancer survivorship. Key themes include microwave ablation for renal masses, low-intensity shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction, and smoking history as a determinant of post-cystectomy quality of life. Collaborative Networks: Dr. Clements collaborates with colleagues in the Department of Surgery , including Barouch, Indes, O'Connor , and works alongside physical neighbors like Servais and Cheyuo . His research aligns with concepts such as urinary bladder neoplasms , laparoscopy , and cystectomy .
Marie-Andree Harvey is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Urology at Queen’s University, affiliated with the School of Medicine within the Faculty of Health Sciences. She holds cross appointments as Division Chair of Urology and chairs the Scientific Committee of the Canadian Foundation for Research on Incontinence. Her clinical expertise spans urogynecology, pelvic reconstructive surgery, and childbirth-related pelvic floor trauma. Dr. Harvey completed her MD at Université Laval (1992), Fellowship in Obstetrics/Gynaecology at McGill University (1997), and a Master’s in Clinical Epidemiology (University of Ottawa, 2005). Her research focuses on urinary incontinence management, prolapse surgery outcomes, and the natural history of postpartum pelvic floor changes. She has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and actively contributes to guideline development for vaginal pessary use, obstetrical anal sphincter injuries, and urodynamic testing standards. Education: MD, Université Laval (1992) Fellowship in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, McGill University (1997) Master’s in Clinical Epidemiology, University of Ottawa (2005) Research Interests: Conservative management of urinary incontinence Surgical innovations for pelvic organ prolapse Impact of childbirth on pelvic floor integrity Long-term outcomes of midurethral sling procedures Neurological mechanisms of pelvic floor dysfunction Awards & Leadership: Past President, Canadian Society of Pelvic Medicine Committee Member, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) Scientific Committee Chair, Canadian Foundation for Research on Incontinence Grant & Advising Activities: Peer-reviewer for multiple journals and granting agencies Principal investigator on studies evaluating pelvic floor muscle training efficacy Advisor on surgical device safety and clinical trial methodologies Dr. Harvey’s work bridges clinical practice and research, emphasizing patient-centered solutions to pelvic floor disorders while advancing surgical techniques and preventive strategies through epidemiological insights.
Michael D Kawaja is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at Queen's University's School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences. He holds cross-appointments with the Translational Institute of Medicine (TIME) and the Centre for Neuroscience Studies at Queen's University. Previously, he served as Associate Dean of the School of Medicine from 2016-2022. Dr. Kawaja's research focuses on nervous system plasticity, particularly the inherent ability of the nervous system to adapt structurally and functionally to injury or disease. His laboratory pursues two primary research directions: first, investigating the role of growth factors and their receptors in the generation of new axonal processes, with specific focus on aberrant sympathetic axon growth in response to elevated nerve growth factor (NGF) in animal models of peripheral nerve injury and inflammatory conditions; second, examining how grafting different cell types into injured spinal cords can enhance axonal growth and functional recovery. His research employs diverse methodologies including conventional microscopic examination, proteomics, and transgenic technologies to address neural repair mechanisms across various neuropathological conditions. The ultimate goal of his work is to discover therapeutic strategies that ameliorate disease-associated aberrant sympathetic sprouting and lessen consequences arising from peripheral nerve injury and hypertension. Dr. Kawaja's publication record spans over three decades, with significant contributions to understanding neurotrophin signaling, axonal regeneration, spinal cord injury, and the role of olfactory ensheathing cells in neural repair. His work demonstrates a consistent focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neural plasticity and repair. Dr. Kawaja's educational background includes a PhD in Anatomy from Western University (1989), an MSc in Biology from Acadia University (1985), and a BSc in Biology from Acadia University (1983). His research has been supported by major Canadian funding agencies including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, and Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation.
Dr. Ali Dayi currently serves as a Doctor Lecturer at Beykent University's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medical Sciences, and previously held roles as a Research Assistant at Eskişehir Osmangazi University (2009–2013) and an Associate Lecturer in Psychology at Beykent University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences (2016–2020). He is also the current Head of the Department of Internal Medical Sciences at Beykent University. His research focuses on mental health issues in youth, including the impact of social media addiction on self-esteem, anxiety, and cognitive distortions. He has also investigated substance use among students, family dynamics in codependency, and maternal anxiety in cases of childhood food refusal. His work integrates clinical psychology, psychopathology, and public health perspectives. Dr. Dayi has authored over 11 peer-reviewed articles, 9 conference presentations, and contributed a chapter to the book Multidisciplinary Approach to Chest Pain (2019). His teaching spans courses like Clinical Psychology, Adult Psychopathology, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He holds a certificate in Supportive Psychotherapy Practitioner from Beykent University (2015) and has supervised numerous master's theses addressing topics such as attachment styles, risky behaviors in adolescents, and post-traumatic stress in refugee children. His academic contributions emphasize bridging clinical practice with research, particularly in addiction studies, youth mental health, and family dynamics.
Haydar SUR, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Health Management at Marmara University's Faculty of Health Sciences. He has held roles including Head of the Health Management Department (2019–present), Vice Dean, and Acting Dean. His academic journey includes a medical degree from Istanbul University (1986), a Master's in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (1993), and a PhD in Public Health from Istanbul University (1996). Born in Konya, 1961 Formerly worked in public health roles at the Ministry of Health and Istanbul Health Directorate Academic Titles: Professor (2003), Associate Professor (1998) Research Interests: Focuses on health policy, patient safety, health economics, and healthcare management. His work explores innovations in healthcare delivery, health tourism models, and the impact of digital health technologies. He has extensively researched infectious disease control, health literacy, and organizational leadership in healthcare settings. Publications & Projects: Authored over 40 publications, including studies on HPV-related sexual dysfunction, health tourism models, and pandemic response strategies. Led projects like the 'Conscious Mother-Safe Child Education Program' (2019). Active in international conferences on health systems and management. Teaching and Leadership: Teaches courses on health policy, strategic management, and medical humanities. Currently Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences (2020–present). Served as editor for key health management textbooks and peer-reviewed journals.
Caroline Pukall is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Queen's University. Her research focuses on sexual wellbeing, particularly addressing genitopelvic dysesthesias (e.g., vulvodynia, persistent genital arousal disorder) and developing patient-reported outcome measures in sexual health. She employs mixed-methods approaches, including quantitative sensory testing and neuroimaging, while prioritizing inclusivity for marginalized populations. Education: B.A. (1996) and Ph.D. (2003) from McGill University. Key Research Streams: Chronic vulvar pain conditions and their psychosocial impacts Neural mechanisms of chronic pain (e.g., fibromyalgia, provoked vestibulodynia) Sexual function assessment in gender minority populations Sexual coercion and genitopelvic pain dynamics Patient-centered treatment outcomes and clinical guidelines Publications (selected) highlight advancements in core outcome sets for provoked vestibulodynia, fear-avoidance models in persistent genital arousal disorder, and neural imaging comparisons between fibromyalgia and vulvar pain conditions. Ongoing work explores cervical contributions to female sexual response and resilience in LGBTQ+ health. Lab activities focus on translational research bridging basic science (e.g., quantitative sensory testing) and clinical practice (e.g., patient-reported measures). Collaborations include interdisciplinary teams addressing pain neurology and healthcare equity.
Dean Tripp is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Queen's University. His research focuses on biopsychosocial aspects of chronic pain conditions, including Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS), Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). He investigates self-regulation mechanisms, pain catastrophizing, and psychosocial predictors of suicide risk in these populations. Education: B.A., Saint Mary's University (1991) M.A., Saint Mary's University (1993) Ph.D., Dalhousie University (2001) Tripp's research examines how cognitive appraisals and coping strategies influence pain-related disability, emotional distress, and relationship dynamics in chronic illness. His work emphasizes patient-reported outcomes and aims to develop targeted psychological interventions. Current projects explore sleep-pain interactions, intimacy challenges in IBD, and resilience factors against suicide risk. His recent publications (2021–2024) predominantly analyze psychosocial interventions for chronic pain, with recurring themes including pain catastrophizing, patient-provider communication models, and pandemic-related mental health impacts. Methodologies range from scoping reviews to hermeneutic phenomenological studies, reflecting interdisciplinary collaboration across urology, gastroenterology, and primary care. Tripp leads a research lab focused on visceral pain but is not accepting graduate students or volunteers until 2028. No scientific awards or current advisees are noted in available materials.
Thomas D Coates, MD , is a Professor of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and Section Head of Hematology at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). He directs CHLA's Sickle/Hemoglobinopathy Program and leads the Coates Laboratory, which focuses on basic and translational research in sickle cell disease and iron overload management. His research employs engineering-intensive methodologies , including MRI , laser Doppler flow , and digital signal processing , to study vascular disease mechanisms in sickle cell patients and optimize iron overload detection. Collaborations span CHLA's Cardiology , Pulmonology , and Radiology Departments , as well as USC's Biomedical Engineering and Physiology/Biophysics units. Recent publications highlight his work on iron toxicity , autonomic nervous system dysfunction , and novel therapeutic interventions like luspatercept trials for thalassemia. His clinical interests include pediatric hematology , neutrophil dysfunction , and coagulation defects . Media engagements and lab innovations further underscore his impact on hemoglobinopathy research.
Dr. Michael P Dube is a Professor of Research Medicine (Part-Time) at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California , with affiliations to the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center and the 5P21 Rand Schrader Health and Research Center . His career spans clinical practice, research, and education, focusing on HIV and its metabolic complications. Education : Medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine. Clinical Training : Internship, residency, and fellowship in Infectious Diseases at LAC+USC Medical Center. Dr. Dubé’s research centers on the intersection of HIV , metabolic disorders , and immune activation . He has extensively studied: Antiretroviral therapy side effects (e.g., adipokines, insulin resistance) PrEP adherence and associated behavioral risks Cardiovascular and renal complications in HIV patients Coinfections (CMV, syphilis) and their impact on HIV progression His work is reflected in numerous high-impact publications across journals like Clinical Infectious Diseases and AIDS , with a focus on clinical trials (ACTG 5260s) and longitudinal studies. Dr. Dubé has also explored interventions like probiotics and health coaching to improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Naeemul Hassan is an Associate Professor at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism and the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland, with an affiliate appointment in the Department of Computer Science. He directs the Computational Journalism Lab and focuses on Big Data, Data Science, and Natural Language Processing, particularly in areas like Computational Journalism, Social Sensing, and Misinformation Detection. His research includes developing technologies such as BaitBuster and ClaimBuster to aid fact-checking and combat misinformation. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi and earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Arlington (2016). Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Texas at Arlington (2016). Research Interests: His work spans automated fact-checking, health information credibility, and social media analysis. Key projects include analyzing misinformation in health contexts (e.g., TikTok, Reddit), detecting misleading headlines, and exploring AI-driven solutions like LlamaLens for multilingual news analysis. He also examines societal impacts of digital platforms in contexts like Bangladesh and the U.S. Lab and Collaborations: Directs the Computational Journalism Lab and collaborates with the Computational Linguistics and Information Processing (CLIP) Lab and the Human-Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL). Recent grants include SaTC: CORE funding for BaitBuster 2.0 and RAISE support for a Credible Open Knowledge Network. Grants and Projects: Notable funding includes NSF grants for misinformation research and collaborative projects on clickbait mitigation and health information systems. Currently, he is not accepting new Ph.D. students. His work bridges computer science, journalism, and public health, emphasizing ethical AI applications and societal impacts of digital media.
