Biography

 Dr. Linkov is a multidisciplinary researcher with research interests in molecular epidemiology, cancer, prevention, health systems research, global health, scientific communications, and research productivity. In the area of molecular epidemiology, her work focused on the use of biological tumor markers to detect malignancies at early stages and on the link between obesity, biobehavioral factors, and cancer. Dr. Linkov's longitudinal investigations have made significant contributions to the emerging view that intentional weight loss may play a significant role in the prevention of malignancies and normalization of aging associated biomarkers, especially through inflammatory pathways.

Dr. Linkov has been also focusing on the development of improved patient-centered approaches for translating scientific knowledge about disease prevention into clinical practice. With the support of Beckwith Foundation, she developed several projects focusing on health services research, which involved patient stakeholders. These efforts resulted in several important publications in the area of hysterectomy pathways and the impact of healthcare algorithms on the quality of care. Dr. Linkov has an IPA with CDC/NIOSH where one of her projects involves evaluating medical textiles use.

Biography

Guangyong Li is currently an Associate Professor with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. He received the B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China, in 1992, the M.S. degree in control theory and applications from Beijing Institute of Control Engineering, China Academy of Space Technology, Beijing, China, in 1999, and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA, in 2006. His research interests include photovoltaics, nano-characterization, micro/nanorobotic systems, exoskeletons, and controls. His most recent research endeavor is to apply robotics and artificial intelligence in rehabilitation training and/or assistance in activities of daily living for disabled people.

Biography

Sangmi Park, PhD, OT, is a postdoctoral research associate at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh. She earned her BS and PhD degrees in Occupational Therapy from Yonsei University in South Korea. Following the completion of her PhD, she held a one-year position as a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Psychiatry in Wonju College of Medicine. Subsequently, she served as a research professor at the Department of Occupational Therapy in Yonsei University for three years.

Her research is primarily focused on developing preventative interventions tailored to the needs of community-dwelling older adults. She is deeply committed to enhancing cognitive health, emotional well-being, social participation, and promoting healthy lifestyles within this demographic.

Inspired by the concept of occupational justice, she chose to join the Human Engineering Research Laboratories to broaden her expertise in assistive technology, with a specific emphasis on supporting social integration and facilitating aging in place within community settings.

Biography

A recent graduate of West Virginia University with a BA in Interactive Design for Media.

Biography

A U.S. Navy veteran with 22 years of successful honorable service. Held leadership positions across the globe with extensive experience in operational planning and multi-tasking operations management of small and large teams. Background in enterprise-level policy development, policy implementation, regulatory compliance, program management, talent acquisition for large organizations, and training development and delivery. Experience in a chief operating officer role in strategic planning and change management of a geographically-dispersed large organization.

Biography

Having a master’s degree in Banking and Finance, Susan has previously worked in the retail banking industry providing customers help with various banking products and investment solutions.
Additionally, she has worked extensively in voluntary positions in the areas of finance, and as a community liaison.

Biography

Andrew was a medic in the Army National Guard for 9 years with two deployments to Afghanistan. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BA in history with concentrations in military history and Afghan history. He has a language background in German and Russian.

Biography

Prithvi has earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh. He has worked in neurology research regarding patients with epilepsy as well as cerebellum research at the eye and ear institute of UPMC. He eagerly anticipates continuing his research endeavors focused on enhancing the abilities of individuals with disabilities in handling their daily activities.