Dr. Ashley Montero is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sleep Health at Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) within Flinders University's College of Medicine and Public Health. He also holds casual academic roles in the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work. His PhD (2021–2024) focused on sleep and mental health in athletes. Research interests include sleep variability in OSA patients, athlete retirement impacts, and mixed methods research. Education: PhD in Psychology, Flinders University (2024) Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Flinders University (2020) Key collaborations include Flinders' SHAPE Research, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, and industry partners like SANFL. Awards include the Australasian Chronobiology Society Research Excellence Award (2023) and Flinders University scholarships. His work addresses UN SDGs in education, health, and well-being. Research teams: FHMRI Sleep Health, SIESTA, SHARP. Active in media engagements (e.g., SBS News, ABC Radio).
Dr. Kristen Nishimi is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine and a research health science specialist in Mental Health at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System. Her academic journey includes a BA in Psychology from UC Berkeley, an MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a PhD in Population Health Sciences from Harvard University, and postdoctoral training in Mental Health and Data Science at the San Francisco VA Healthcare System. University of California, Berkeley - BA Psychology Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - MPH Social and Behavioral Sciences Harvard University - PhD Population Health Sciences San Francisco VA Healthcare System - Postdoc Mental Health and Data Science Dr. Nishimi is a social and psychiatric epidemiologist whose research focuses on understanding the complex relationships between trauma, mental health, and physical health across the lifecourse. She applies advanced epidemiological methods to observational and clinical data to identify pathways between adversity and trauma exposure with various health endpoints. Her work particularly examines how trauma impacts systemic inflammation and immune system functioning, and she takes an assets-based perspective to understand psychological resilience to trauma and its potential benefits for physical health and chronic disease prevention. Her research spans multiple domains including PTSD, cardiometabolic health, autoimmune disorders, and pandemic-related health outcomes. Analysis of Dr. Nishimi's recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on trauma exposure and resilience in relation to both mental and physical health outcomes. Her work frequently examines these relationships through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring how pre-pandemic trauma exposure and resilience factors influenced infection risk, somatic symptoms, and mental health outcomes. She also maintains significant research on inflammation and immune function as mediators between trauma and physical health conditions, with studies on arthritis, cardiometabolic disease, and autoimmune disorders. Much of her work utilizes large longitudinal cohort studies, particularly the Nurses' Health Study. PreDoctoral Fellowship, T32 in Psychiatric Genetics and Translational Research (NIMH, 2019-2020) Harvard Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness Dissertation Award (2019-2020) ISTSS Student Poster Award Winner (2019) American Psychosomatic Society Young Investigator Colloquium Scholar (2022) UCSF Department of Psychiatry Trainee Research Award (2022) Society of Biological Psychiatry Early Career Investigator Travel Fellowship (2023) American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Travel Award (2023) Dr. Nishimi currently leads multiple significant research projects including a VA Career Development Award as Principal Investigator on PTSD and Autoimmune Disease research (2023-2028), serves as Co-Investigator on a Benioff Center Microbiome Medicine project examining Gut Reactions in Women with PTSD (2023-2024), and was a Postdoctoral Fellow on an NIMH-funded study of Inflammatory Challenge and Fear Extinction for understanding PTSD (2024-2028). Her collaborative network includes prominent researchers at UCSF, Harvard, and within the VA system, particularly focusing on trauma, mental health, and physical health intersections. Dr. Nishimi contributes to multiple research teams including the San Francisco VA Health Care System Mental Health research program and collaborative groups studying trauma across the lifecourse through large cohort studies like the Nurses' Health Study II. Her work bridges epidemiology, psychiatry, and immunology to advance understanding of how psychological experiences become biologically embedded with health consequences.
Dr. Stefanos Mastrotheodoros is a developmental psychologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Crete , Greece, with a dual affiliation as Postdoctoral Researcher at Utrecht University's Youth and Family research group. His career focuses on adolescent development, family dynamics, and identity formation through longitudinal methodologies. PhD in Psychology from University of Athens (2015) and Utrecht University (2020) Specializes in R programming , Structural Equation Modelling (AMOS/Mplus) His research examines: Identity Development across cultural contexts Family Relationships in immigrant populations Adolescent Mental Health during crises Longitudinal Data Analysis of developmental trajectories Recent publications analyze pandemic impacts on family systems and stress mechanisms (2020-2025), with cross-cultural collaborations spanning 34 countries. Methodologies emphasize daily diary analysis , latent profile analysis , and multivariate statistical techniques .
Christopher C. Imes , PhD, RN, is an Associate Professor and Vice Chair for Administration at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing . He serves as a Scholarship Facilitator and is affiliated with the Center for Sleep and Circadian Science and the Center for Bioethics and Health Law. Research Focus : Multidimensional sleep health (MDSH), cardiometabolic health, shift work impacts on nurse wellness, fatigue countermeasures, and genomic influences on cardiovascular disease. Teaching : Primary instructor for NUR 1651 (Health Care and Nursing Science in Switzerland), guest lectures in ethics, health promotion, and human genetics courses. Recent Scientific Awards : 2022 Dean’s Distinguished Teaching Award Service : Member of American Heart Association, American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International, Sleep Research Society.
Prof. Dr. Raúl Ferrando Cascales serves as Professor of Orthodontics at the Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), specializing in facially guided digital diagnosis and interdisciplinary treatment planning. His clinical expertise spans orthognathic surgery coordination, biomimetic restorations, and complex malocclusion management within the Department of Orthodontics. His educational background includes: Graduate in Dentistry Doctor of Dentistry from University of Murcia Master's Degree in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (UMU) Diploma from Roth-Williams Center for Functional Occlusion Research focuses on digital orthodontic workflows integrating facial aesthetics with treatment planning. Current work emphasizes facially guided diagnosis protocols , CBCT-based 3D analysis , and biomimetic approaches to interdisciplinary cases. His publications demonstrate consistent innovation in digital dentistry applications for skeletal discrepancies and aesthetic rehabilitation. Recent article trends reveal three dominant themes: (1) Standardized digital diagnosis protocols (40% of 2023-2025 publications), (2) Biomimetic restorative-orthodontic integration (35%), and (3) Airway/sleep disorder connections (15%). Key methodological contributions include CBCT-3D model integration and injection molding techniques for gingival embrasure closure. Professional recognition includes: Certified membership in Spanish Society of Orthodontics Diploma from Roth-Williams Center for Functional Occlusion As an active lecturer at national and international levels, he contributes to orthodontic education through specialized courses while maintaining clinical practice in complex cases requiring orthodontic-surgical-restorative coordination. His work bridges academic research with practical clinical implementation across multiple dental disciplines.
Carly Johnco is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychological Sciences at Macquarie University and a registered Clinical Psychologist. She holds an NHMRC Emerging Leader Fellowship and serves as Deputy Director of Research at the Macquarie University Lifespan Health & Wellbeing Research Centre, integrating interdisciplinary research across Psychology, Medicine, and Education. Her work focuses on anxiety disorder mechanisms across childhood, adolescence, and older adulthood, emphasizing fear extinction learning, cognitive biases, and family dynamics. She completed her PhD and Masters at Macquarie University, followed by postdoctoral fellowships at the University of South Florida and Macquarie. Research interests include optimizing exposure therapy, family accommodation in mental health, and age-appropriate assessment methods. She supervises 18+ students, with completed theses addressing topics like cognitive restructuring in youth and family accommodation in older adults. Her 99+ publications explore anxiety treatment efficacy, repetitive negative thinking, and sleep disturbances. Awards include the Alastair Heron Prize (2023) and Early Career Research Awards (2018–2019). Johnco leads editorial roles for the Australian Psychologist and Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic , and serves on NHMRC grant review panels. Current projects address translational neuroscience in anxiety treatment for older adults and culturally adapted interventions for Chinese-speaking populations. She also chairs the APS Psychology and Ageing Interest Group, advocating for mental health literacy and stigma reduction.
Mariela Padilla serves as Professor of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Southern California's Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, where she drives innovation in dental education and orofacial pain research. Her clinical academic role integrates curriculum development with evidence-based pain management strategies across dental disciplines. Her research spans dental education transformation, orofacial pain pathophysiology, and psychosocial dimensions of dental care. Key interests include social determinants of health integration into curricula, empathy dynamics in dental education, temporomandibular disorder diagnostics, and AI applications for educational personalization. She pioneers virtual learning environments and educational blog repurposing to modernize dental pedagogy. Recent publications reveal a strong focus on systematic evidence synthesis for pain management (trigeminal neuralgia, neuropathic pain, TMJ disorders) and educational innovation. Her 2023-2025 work emphasizes social determinants of health validation, AI-driven cohort analysis, and empathy measurement in global dental education contexts, demonstrating consistent translational impact from classroom to clinical practice. Dr. Padilla maintains active clinical research through the CTSI profile system and collaborates extensively on interdisciplinary pain studies, with recent work examining sleep apnea interventions and respiratory muscle therapy efficacy through rigorous meta-analytic methodologies.
Monica Betta is an Assistant Professor at IMT School, affiliated with the MOMILAB research group. Her expertise lies in computational methods for biomedical signal analysis, focusing on EEG-based sleep research and mathematical modeling of physiological systems. She holds a PhD in Automation, Robotics, and Bioengineering from the University of Pisa, Italy, and completed a visiting research stint at the Centre d'Investigation et de Recherche sur le Sommeil in Switzerland. Education: Bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering (2006–2009), University of Pisa Master's in Biomedical Engineering (2009–2012), University of Pisa PhD in Automation, Robotics, and Bioengineering (2012–2016), University of Pisa Visiting Researcher (2015–2016), Centre Hospialier Universitaire Vaudois, Switzerland Research Focus: Dr. Betta’s work integrates computational tools for EEG analysis in sleep (e.g., REM/NREM detection, ocular artifact removal) with epidemiological modeling for disease control. She explores how sensory experiences influence brain activity during sleep and wakefulness, leveraging mathematical models to optimize public health interventions like vaccination strategies. Recent Trends in Publications: Her recent studies emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, including EEG-fMRI investigations of slow-wave subtypes and thalamic activity, biomarkers for cardiovascular risk in sleep apnea, and telemedicine applications for cardiac rehabilitation. She also addresses methodological advancements in EEG signal processing and functional connectivity metrics for vigilance assessment. Awards & Grants: No specific awards mentioned. Active in collaborative research projects involving sleep epidemiology and biomedical engineering. Labs & Teams: Principal investigator at MOMILAB, leading projects on sleep neurophysiology and computational health analytics. Collaborates internationally with institutions like the University of Lausanne and the University of Pisa.
Unai Diaz-Orueta is an Assistant Professor in Psychology at Maynooth University, Ireland, within the Faculty of Science & Engineering. He specializes in neuropsychological assessment using process-based approaches and virtual/augmented reality applications for cognitive assessment and intervention. His research focuses on developing technological solutions for cognitive rehabilitation and assessment, particularly for elderly populations and individuals with ADHD. Dr. Diaz-Orueta received his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Deusto, Spain in 2006. His research interests encompass neuropsychological assessment using process-based approaches, virtual and augmented reality applications in psychological assessment and intervention, cognitive rehabilitation procedures (both traditional and technology/game-based approaches), and serious games for health. He has developed expertise in creating digital solutions for increasing the accuracy of cognitive decline assessment in older adults with low education and literacy levels, with special attention to cross-cultural considerations and marginalized groups. His publication record over the past five years reveals a strong focus on virtual reality-based neuropsychological assessment tools, with significant contributions to memory assessment, executive function evaluation, and ADHD diagnosis. His work demonstrates a clear trajectory toward integrating technology with traditional neuropsychological approaches, particularly through the development of tools like the Suite test for memory assessment and Ice Cream for executive function evaluation in children. The research consistently addresses practical applications for vulnerable populations, especially older adults with cognitive challenges. Dr. Diaz-Orueta has led significant research projects including CAPTAIN (Coach Assistant via Projected and Tangible Interface), where he served as Principal Investigator at Maynooth University, and E-SPACE (European Standardised Process Approach to Cognitive Evaluation in older people), where he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow. His work on CAPTAIN focuses on developing transparent technology to turn homes of older adults into ubiquitous assistants specifically designed to compensate for physical and memory impairments. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Basque, with functional Italian skills. His teaching interests include neuropsychology, process-based approach to neuropsychological assessment, new developments and technologies for neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation, and literature review methodologies from narrative to systematic reviews. Notably, he has indicated he is not currently available to supervise new PhD students until March 2024.
Anders Rysholt Bruun is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Aalborg University's Technical Faculty of IT and Design. His research focuses on Human-Centered Computing, particularly in areas like Agile software development practices, user experience (UX) in robotics and healthcare technologies, and the integration of AI tools in software development. He leads projects such as 'Selecting AI Tools to Address Software Development Challenges' and 'Improving Sleep Quality Using Sound Intervention.' His work emphasizes empirical studies and interdisciplinary collaboration, as seen in projects involving mechanical/software teams and case studies on AI tool adoption. He has contributed over 50 research outputs since 2009, with notable publications in journals like Information and Software Technology and Sleep Medicine . Bruun has been involved in educational initiatives, including curriculum development in HCI and software engineering. His recent media appearance discussed his considerations regarding electric vehicle adoption, reflecting his interest in sustainable technology applications. Projects: 8 active/completed Grants: Multiple EU and national grants including 'Measuring Real-Time User Experiences' Labs/Teams: Collaborates with American Wheels Aalborg and interdisciplinary health tech teams
Michelle Olaithe serves as an Honorary Research Fellow at the School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia. With an active research profile spanning sleep medicine, cognitive disorders, and audiology, she contributes significantly to understanding obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) mechanisms and behavioral interventions. Her research interests focus on Obstructive Sleep Apnea diagnostics , cognitive impacts of sleep disorders , meta-analytical approaches to behavioral interventions, and hearing loss rehabilitation . Using methodologies ranging from algorithm development to qualitative investigations grounded in Leventhal's self-regulation theory, her work addresses critical gaps in sleep and sensory health. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward algorithmic solutions for OSA prediction and evidence-based youth sleep interventions . Her 2024 meta-review in Behavioral Sleep Medicine synthesizes behavioral approaches for adolescent sleep issues, while her OSA-Onset algorithm series demonstrates technical innovation in sleep diagnostics. Helen Bearpark Memorial Scholarship (Australasian Sleep Association) Dr. Olaithe actively supervises Honours and Masters students while contributing to major research initiatives including the MRFF-funded project on OSA management in First Nations communities and the Raine Foundation's youth sleep intervention study. Her current projects emphasize community co-design and low-barrier solutions for sleep health disparities. She maintains active clinical roles as a psychologist at The Olive Branch Wellness Centre and Sleep W.A., bridging research with clinical practice in sleep medicine and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
Susan D. Mayes is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Pennsylvania State University, affiliated with the Penn State Neuroscience Institute and the Division of Child Outpatient Services. Her research focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and related psychopathology dimensions. She has led a long-standing grant project since 2005 investigating predictors of academic achievement and learning disabilities in reading, math, and written expression, funded by the Spencer Foundation. Her work emphasizes empirical distinctions between conditions like Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (formerly Sluggish Cognitive Tempo) and autism traits, as well as the impact of sleep patterns, insomnia, and developmental factors on childhood mental health. Recent studies include longitudinal analyses of neurodevelopmental trajectories and cross-informant ratings of psychological problems in children with ADHD and autism. Mayes has published over 136 peer-reviewed articles and contributed to journals such as Psychology in the Schools, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, and Child Psychiatry and Human Development. Her research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being, particularly addressing neurodiversity and childhood mental health challenges.
Mateu Servera Barceló is a University Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Balearic Islands. With an active career since November 15, 1991, he has accumulated over 4,000 certified teaching hours and led significant academic management roles, including Director of the Department of Psychology and Vice-Rector for Academic Management. His research focuses on cognitive disengagement syndrome (formerly sluggish cognitive tempo) and ADHD, with cross-informant studies involving parents, teachers, and children. Key contributions include 60+ impact factor publications and leadership in six National Plan research projects Specializes in psychopathology, childhood behavioral disorders, and cognitive neuroscience Teaches psychopathology and psychological intervention techniques at bachelor's and master's levels Collaborates internationally on ADHD and SCT diagnostic frameworks
Dr. Marya Howell-Carter is a Full Professor and Associate Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences at Farmingdale State College. She is a New York State licensed clinical psychologist specializing in adolescent and family psychotherapy. Her teaching focuses on Individual and Group Counseling, Abnormal Psychology, Psychology of Women, and Multicultural Psychology. She also serves as Director of Continuing Education for the Westchester Center for Psychological Education. Ph.D., Counseling Psychology (Adolescent and Family Therapy), Northwestern University, 1998 M.A., Counseling Psychology, Northwestern University, 1995 B.S.Ed, Human Development and Social Policy (Counseling Psychology), Northwestern University, 1990 Marya's research spans pedagogy, career development, mindfulness, sleep and stress in college students, and perceptions of multiracial individuals. Her work emphasizes innovative teaching methods and addressing psychological factors affecting student well-being. Her publications demonstrate a strong focus on educational psychology, teaching methodologies, and multicultural research, with recurring themes of student-instructor dynamics and academic support systems. Farmingdale CARES Service Award (2015) Westchester County Psychological Association Distinguished Service Award (2021) Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service (2023) Marya has extensive experience in academic advising and has developed systematic approaches to career development for psychology majors. She actively contributes to professional education through conference presentations and her leadership role in continuing education, particularly during New York State's transition to mandatory CE credits for licensure. As a clinical psychologist, she integrates practical expertise with educational innovation, fostering student growth through courses like Individual and Group Counseling, Cross-Cultural Psychology, and Internship/Senior Project.
Andreas Fahr is a Full Professor of Empirical Communication Research at the University of Fribourg's Department of Communication and Media Sciences. He holds a Dr. rer. pol. (2001) and habilitation (2010) from LMU Munich. His research focuses on media effects, health communication, parasocial relationships, and psychophysiological measurement methods. He has held visiting professorships at the University of Zurich and Munich. Education & Career: PhD (2001), Habilitation (2010) in Communication Science, LMU Munich Research Assistant, Media Institute Ludwigshafen (1995–2000) Senior Advisor, Institute for Communication and Media Research (IfKW), LMU Munich (2000–2012) Professor at University of Erfurt (2012–2013), current role since 2013 Research Interests: Health communication strategies, emotional effects of media, parasocial relationships with media characters, digital media innovation, and psychophysiological methodologies. His work bridges communication science and media psychology. Awards & Grants: Swiss National Science Foundation (FNS) grants for projects on binge-watching effects (2018–2020) and media health communication (2017–2021) Honorary Doctorate (Docteurs honoris causa) Labs & Teams: Leads the IDCMI (Communication and Digital Media Innovation Lab) at the University of Fribourg, focusing on empirical studies of media consumption and health communication.
