Work with thought leaders and academic experts from University of Minnesota

Dr. H. Colleen Sinclair

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
Research Professor overseeing multiple applied research grants with experience in wide array of topics (e.g., destructive leadership, interdisciplinary teams, DEIA)
Education

University of Minnesota

PhD, Psychology / May, 2004

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America

University of Colorado Boulder

BA, Psychology, English, and Women's Studies / May, 1996

Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
Research Expertise
Law
Health (social science)
Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Social Psychology
Gender Studies
And 7 more
About
Dr. H. Colleen Sinclair is a highly educated and experienced psychologist with a passion for understanding human behavior and relationships. She received her PhD in Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 2004, after completing a triple major at the University of Colorado Boulder in 1996. Throughout her career, Dr. Sinclair has held various academic positions, including Research Professor at Louisiana State University and tenured Associate Professor at Mississippi State University. She has also served as a Research Associate at Carnegie Mellon University, where she conducted research on human-computer interaction. Dr. Sinclair's research interests are broad. She applies the scientific method to help make the world a better place. She maintains a successful research portfolio exceeding $160 million in funding including being a part of a team to receive the biggest NSF grant in history to improve collaborations between industry and academia to shape the future of energy. She has published numerous articles and has been invited to present her research around the world. In addition to her academic work, Dr. Sinclair is also a sought-after consultant and speaker, providing expertise on topics such as communication skills, conflict resolution, and relationship building. She is known for her engaging and dynamic presentations (see TED talk), which draw upon her extensive research and personal experiences. Dr. Sinclair is committed to using her knowledge and expertise to help individuals and organizations tacke the problems of today to make for a better tomorrow. With her impressive education and experience, she continues to make significant contributions to the field of psychology and the understanding of human behavior.

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Wellington Oliveira

Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
University of Minnesota
Experience

University of Minnesota

Postdoctoral Associate / August, 2023Present

My current research involves the development and application of sustainable analytical techniques to explore how lipid oxidation products contribute to both flavor and off-flavor formation in food matrices

ITAL - Instituto de Tecnologia de Alimentos

Researcher / May, 2020July, 2023

Assessment of coffee beverage quality using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and olfactometry (GC-O-MS). Application of chemometric tools to correlate sensory and chemical properties of coffee

Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV

Visiting Researcher / February, 2022November, 2022

Aroma evaluation of specialty coffees using solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE), olfactometry (AEDA), and mass spectrometry.

T&E Analítica

Research Analyst / January, 2020April, 2020

Development and validation of analytical methods using HPLC-DAD, HPLC-FLD, LC-MS/MS, and GC-MS.

State University of Campinas

Junior Researcher / July, 2018January, 2020

- Development and validation of analytical methods using chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry - Optimization of sample preparation techniques using factorial experiments, Plackett-Burman Design, and Response Surface Methodology - Determination of contaminants in food and food packaging - Studies on the migration of packaging components into food - Supervision of master's and doctoral students - Project management - Scientific dissemination

University of Zaragoza

Visiting Researcher / November, 2016May, 2017

- Identification of migrants from food packaging using liquid and gas chromatography coupled to high and low-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS, GC-Q-MS) - Evaluation of odors from food packaging by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O-MS)

Research Expertise
Food Science and Technology
Food Chemistry
Food Analysis
Lipid Chemistry
Aroma analysis
About
Wellington Oliveira, Ph.D., is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. He joined the Dias Lab in August 2023, where his research focuses on developing and applying eco-friendly analytical methods to investigate the role of lipid oxidation products in the formation of flavor and off-flavor compounds in foods. Dr. Oliveira earned his Ph.D. in Food Science and completed postdoctoral training in Food Analysis at the University of Campinas, Brazil. His doctoral research centered on the development and validation of analytical methods utilizing chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. He also served as a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Food Technology (ITAL) in Brazil, where he explored flavor markers in coffee using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, olfactometry, and sensory analysis. Additionally, Dr. Oliveira has held visiting researcher positions at Fraunhofer IVV in Germany, specializing in olfactometry and volatile compound analysis; and at the University of Zaragoza in Spain, where he focused on identifying migrants from food contact materials and off-flavors using both low- and high-resolution mass spectrometry alongside olfactometry.

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David J. Lilja

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
Professor Emeritus of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota
Experience

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Professor

Department Head

University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand

Visiting Professor

University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia

Visiting Professor

IBM, Rochester, Minnesota

Visiting Senior Engineer

Tandem Computers, Inc., Cupertino, CA

Development Engineer

Research Expertise
Computer architecture
high-performance parallel processing
computer systems performance analysis
approximate computing
Hardware and Architecture
And 11 more
About
**Research Expertise** Computer architecture, high-performance parallel processing, computer systems performance analysis, approximate computing, computing with emerging technologies, and storage systems. **Biographical summary** David J. Lilja received a Ph.D. and an M.S., both in Electrical Engineering, from the [University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,](http://www.uiuc.edu/) and a B.S. in Computer Engineering from [Iowa State University](http://www.iastate.edu/) in Ames. He is Professor Emeritus of [Electrical and Computer Engineering](http://www.ee.umn.edu/) at the [University of Minnesota](http://www.umn.edu/) in Minneapolis. He previously served as a member of the graduate faculties in [Computer Science](http://www.cs.umn.edu/), [Scientific Computation](http://www.scicomp.umn.edu/), and [Data Science](http://datascience.umn.edu//).  He served ten years as the head of the ECE department at the University of Minnesota, worked as a research assistant at the Center for Supercomputing Research and Development at the [University of Illinois,](http://www.uiuc.edu/) and as a development engineer at [Tandem Computers Incorporated](http://www.tandem.com/) in Cupertino, California.  He received a [Fulbright](http://www.fulbright.org/) Senior Scholar Award to visit the University of Western Australia and was a visiting Professor at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. He has chaired and served on the program committees of numerous conferences.  He was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for contributions to the statistical analysis of computer performance. He also is a registered Professional Engineer.

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John H. Fleming, Ph.D.

Plainsboro, New Jersey, United States of America
Social psychologist & behavioral scientist, ex-Gallup, ex-EY, ex-University of Minnesota
Experience

Culture Amp

Lead People Scientist / November, 2022Present

Manage stakeholders, provide strategic support, and enable customer data insights by interpreting data collected through the Culture Amp employee experience survey platform (SaaS). Provide support, education, and advice to human resource customers on their people listening strategies, emerging trends, data privacy, and action planning change management activities. Conduct internal data science and people analytics projects using a range of analytical tools to achieve the company's key business objectives • Lead a team of PhD-level people scientists who provide data interpretation, insight, and guidance on various employee-based content areas, including engagement, DEI, life cycle, and workforce effectiveness to further customers' business initiatives and business needs. Because we are a fast-growth Series F startup tech company, we work to ensure our function has durability and scalability.

Ernst & Young, LLP

Associate Director, Advanced Analytics - Digital Talent / July, 2020October, 2022

decision making, problem-solving, and statistical thinking skills to provide expert content consulting to connect three people-related functions: Employee Listening, Advanced People Analytics, and Corporate Strategy Successfully expanded EY's internal People Analytics and Employee Listening capabilities to provide comprehensive offerings to business stakeholders. Extended capabilities of EY's cloud-based HR data warehouse accessible to internal data scientists by broadening content and access to Employee listening, organizational network, and operational data. Demonstrated ability as an Employee Listening SME to provide scientific advice and guidance on best practices for creating integrated employee listening platform. • Managed teams of 2 to 10 employees who develop internal predictive models and automated dashboard reporting using HRIS systems data, SQL, R, Python, Power BI, Tableau, and other BI tools in a fast-paced environment.

Ernst & Young, LLP

Managing Director, Analytics - People Advisory Services / July, 2018July, 2020

Expanded enterprise analytics offerings available to PAS consultants while collaborating with partners and senior managers to create solutions and proposals for client presentation. Proposed and executed business analytics work for EY clients and supported client-facing teams. • Served as Americas lead for EY's Global People Experience (PX360) solution and oversaw EY's relationship with Qualtrics. • Used consultative skills and influence to deploy organizational network analysis capabilities and expanded delivery of advanced analytics such as machine learning and predictive modeling • Co-created innovative diversity and inclusiveness model in addition to a performance management tool which tracks progress on company diversity and inclusiveness programs • Recruited and managed teams of 2 to 10 charged with building reporting tools and conducting organizational people analytics for Fortune 500 companies.

Gallup

Chief Scientist, Customer & Employee Engagement / September, 1993July, 2018

Served as Chief Scientist for Gallup's Customer & Employee Engagement practices charged with new product development & marketing, engagement science evangelism & outreach, and advanced people analytics validation research. • Generated $300M in new lines of business over developing and producing new products and conceptual models. • Consulted with C-Suite executives in multinational corporations in 40 countries on 5 continents in the financial services, hospitality, automotive, and B2B sectors which encompassed manufacturing, construction, engineering, pharmaceuticals, and other professional services. • Developed HumanSigma®, a unique product innovation, which was described as a groundbreaking assessment and analysis platform to optimize organizational performance creating a new line of business worth $50M. • Published a major article in Harvard Business Review on HumanSigma as well as a book titled Human Sigma: Managing the Employee-Customer Encounter.

University of Minnesota

Assistant Professor of Psychology / August, 1987August, 1993

Research Expertise
Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
Strategy and Management
Social Psychology
Marketing
Language and Linguistics
And 1 more
About
A results-driven and disciplined strategic thinker with a passion for people analytics and social sciences. Self-motivated and collaborative leader with a proven ability to develop innovative methods and products to identify and solve business problems, improving financial and operational outcomes and enhancing employee experiences and engagement. Extensive experience using statistical data modeling and analytical tools combined with behavioral science and technology to describe, explain, and predict human behavior and business performance for global firms. Data analytics professional with a strong work ethic who is highly skilled in qualitative data analysis, advanced quantitative statistics, and research. Problem solving colleague with compelling storytelling, attentive listening, and strong written and verbal communication. Highly skilled at translating research findings into practical business insights and ability to communicate effectively about them to leaders. Management experience with teams of 2 to 20 employees with significant cross-functional experience, strong Human Resource and business knowledge, and intellectual curiosity, creativity, and personal integrity. Ability to articulate an actionable People Analytics strategy roadmap to ensure the right people, processes, and technology are in place. Dedicated to coaching staff to acquire analytics skills and business acumen.

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Danilo Arruda, Ph.D.

Ph.D. Researcher on Virtual Reality, Perception, Sports, and Biomechanics
Education

University of Wyoming

Ms. of Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Kinesiology and Health / June, 2021

Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America

Universidade Paulistana

Specialist in Sports Training, Educação física

Sao Paulo

Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná

Bacharelado em Educação física, Educação física / February, 2013

Curitiba

University of Minnesota

Ph.D., Kinesiology / May, 2024 (anticipated)

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
Experience

University of Minnesota

Graduate Assistant / September, 2021Present

University of Wyoming

Graduate Assistant / September, 2019May, 2021

Santa Monica Clube de Campo

Volleyball Head Coach / June, 2010November, 2018

Research Expertise
volleyball
focus of attention
coordination
variability
sports performance
About
I am a PhD in kinesiology with expertise in data analysis, human factors, virtual reality, and biomechanics. <br> My educational journey includes a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science (2013), where I engaged in research projects on 2D motion analysis and physical testing for diverse populations. Subsequently, I obtained a Master’s degree in Kinesiology and Health (2021), focusing on Perceptual-Motor Control and Learning. My research explored how attention impacts the kinematics and coordination of volleyball athletes and novices, resulting in my thesis, a peer-reviewed article, and a conference presentation. I also bring extensive experience from my full-time volleyball coach career (2013-2018), earning the Best Coach of the Year award in 2015 and participating in state, national, and international tournaments. During that time, I continued my research and published nine peer-reviewed papers between 2014 and 2020, with a primary focus on performance analysis in volleyball, sports planning, and recovery. In summary, I offer 12 years of scientific research experience, encompassing design, execution, analysis, and reporting. My expertise spans eight years in human motion analysis, including kinematics, kinetics, and EMG. With three years of virtual reality experience, I've designed virtual environments and experiments to investigate how humans interact with that technology. My data analysis proficiency includes classic parametric and non-parametric tests, modern techniques like Bootstrapping and Permutation Tests, Statistic Parametric Mapping, Cluster Analysis, and time series methods (ARIMA, ARMA). Additionally, I have a solid grasp of machine learning, encompassing supervised and unsupervised learning, as well as natural language processing. My skills extend to data visualization, with proficiency in Python (matplotlib and seaborn), R (ggplot2, plotty), GUI using R – Shiny, and Power-BI. I'm well-versed in coding with Matlab, R, Python, and C#. My key attributes include creativity, a strong desire for continuous learning, and my ongoing pursuit of knowledge. Currently, I am learning a new programming language (DART) and exploring philosophy 😊.

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Dr. Juan M. Gonzalez, PhD, MBA

R&D leader experienced in leveraging science and engineering resources to deliver innovative, differentiated, consumer-oriented products that drive business growth. Experienced in startups and large companies. Holder of 30+ patents
Education

Ph.D, Food Chemistry / 1990

Madison, Wisconsin, Illinois, United States of America

The Ohio State University

MSc, Food Science and Nutrition / 1985

Columbus, Ohio, United States of America

University of Minnesota

MBA, Marketing / 1995

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America

Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña

BSc, Industrial Chemistry / 1983

Santo Domingo

University of Wisconsin System

Post-Doctoral, Biochemical Engineering / 1991

Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
Research Expertise
Food Science & Nutrition
About
R&D leader experienced in leveraging science and engineering resources to deliver innovative, differentiated, consumer-oriented products that drive business growth.  Experienced operating in a resource-limited startup venture, in fast-paced privately-owned private entrepreneurial business, as well as leading cross-functional teams at large CPG.  Skilled in collaborating with Business to develop and execute product innovation roadmaps.  Recognized business acumen.  International work experience (USA, Latin America, Europe, and Asia).  Bilingual (English and Spanish).  Project management skills.  Holder of 30+ patent applications.  Areas of expertise: Strategy Development and Implementation; Product & Process Development; Team Leadership & Staff Development; Innovation Management; Business and Operations Management; Food Science, Engineering, Health and Wellness

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Michael Wentzel, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair of Chemistry at Augsburg University with expertise in green and sustainable organic chemistry
Education

Creighton University

BS CHM, Chemistry and Philosophy / May, 2005

Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America

University of Pennsylvania

MS Organic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry / May, 2007

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America

University of Minnesota

Ph.D., Organic Chemistry / August, 2011

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
Experience

Augsburg University

University of Minnesota-NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers

Visiting Scientist / May, 2018May, 2019

Research Expertise
Catalysis
Education
Organic Chemistry
Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
Atmospheric Science
About
As an organic chemist, I am interested in developing new sustainable synthetic reaction methods. I was trained as an organometallic chemist using transition metals to develop new catalytic methods. These methods involved nitrogen containing heterocycles and boronic acids as well as C-H and C-C sigma bonds. I have been at Augsburg since 2013 and worked here part-time before that while doing graduate and post-graduate work across the river at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I am passionate about teaching and mentoring in the classroom, laboratory, and in research settings. I have been influenced greatly by my own Liberal Arts education and the wonderful professors I was able to learn from and work with. I appreciate that we train our students to be strong chemists with a sense of purpose and service to others. My research group is focused on the development of green synthetic methods. Currently, we have projects using a catalyst for multi-component reactions and the synthesis of biodegradable polymers for the educational laboratories. The polymer research has been done in collaboration with the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities NSF-funded Center for Sustainable Polymers. Finally, I am extremely proud of the success of all my former group members as they continue to be successful following graduation in their lives.

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Shonna Waters

Arlington, VA
CEO + Cofounder, Professor, Work Psychologist
Education

University of Minnesota

Ph.D., Industrial-Organizational Psychology / July, 2007

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America

University of Maryland, College Park

B.A., Psyychology / December, 2002

College Park, Maryland, United States of America

Georgetown University

Certificate in Leadership Coaching / May, 2015

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States of America
Research Expertise
applying scientific insights to solve business challenges
History and Philosophy of Science
Psychiatry and Mental health
Pharmacology
Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
And 6 more
About
Shonna is the CEO + Coufounder of Fractional Insights, a expert advisory and research firm and is a part-time professor at Georgetown University. An award-winning organizational psychologist and executive, Shonna is a recognized thought leader in HR, psychology, and business. With a background in consulting and executive leadership roles, Shonna has advised organizations on people strategy and transformation across various sectors. At BetterUp, she stood up and led teams in behavioral science, strategic partnerships and alliances, and executive advisory, driving research-backed insights to enhance organizational performance. She received her Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology and Statistics from the University of Minnesota. She is the author of two award-winning books -- The Practical Guide to HR Analytics and The Coaching Shift: How A Coaching Mindset and Skills Can Change You,Your Interactions, and the World Around You. She has published peer-reviewed journal articles, handbook chapters, magazine and blog articles, as well as over 60 technical reports. Her insights have been featured in prestigious publications like the Handbook on the Practice of Industrial / Organizational Psychology, Talent Management Handbook, Handbook of Employee Selection, Psychological Bulletin, Personnel Psychology, Human Performance, and International Journal of Selection and Assessment. She has also been cited in renowned media outlets such as CNBC, Fast Company, Forbes, and Axios. <br>

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Maria Frisch, PhD, MS

As a seasoned health scientist leader, I leverage data-driven operational strategies to drive technical solutions to human problems.
Education

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

PhD, Psychology

Los Angeles, California, United States of America

Northumbria University

PDip Med, Medicine

Newcastle upon Tyne

University of Minnesota

MS, Health Services Research and Administration, Public Health

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America

University of Minnesota

BS, Psychology and Health

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
Experience

Noom, Inc

Research Consultant / March, 2023September, 2023

Led cross-functional projects in behavioral sciences, translational research, product development, and business operations, driving innovation and growth at a leading healthtech company.

The Luxe Lens

COO, Product Development, Co-founder / October, 2016May, 2023

Tech-driven e-commerce brands with service & digital products. Top 1% in net profit of all Shopify stores for 6 years.

University of Roehampton

Instructor / September, 2014February, 2019

Taught courses in abnormal psychology, research methods, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, developmental psychology

Northwestern Health Sciences University

Instructor / January, 2015February, 2019

Taught courses in medicine, pathophysiology, clinical research

Saint Catherine University

Instructor and Quality Consultant / August, 2013August, 2014

Taught courses in quality improvement, organizational psychology, nursing, research methods

Gustavus Adolphus College

Visiting Professor / September, 2013February, 2014

Taught courses in developmental psychology and I/O psychology

Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Psychiatric Hospital & Park Nicollet Health Partners Health System

Director of Clinical Research, Medicine and Behavioral Health / March, 2007May, 2013

Established and managed a comprehensive clinical research team, driving clinical and product strategy.

University of Minnesota School of Medicine

Clinical Resident / September, 2003May, 2008

Dept of Psychiatry Eating Disorders & Obesity 5-year Clinical Research Training Program. NIH-funded. • Evidence-based clinical treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. Clinicals in CBT, IPT, FBT, DBT, 12-Step, experiential, trauma-informed, harm-reduction, stepped care, and collaborative care approaches. • Coordinated multi-site pharmaceutical research studies in collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb and GlaxoSmithKline

Research Expertise
Psychiatry and Mental health
Clinical Psychology
About
My passion lies in cultivating high-performance teams and nurturing cross-functional partnerships that fuel growth and transformation. My unique ability to deliver actionable insights has repeatedly catalyzed product and strategy improvements, driving measurable success. <br> Key Proficiencies: 🚀 Strategic Operations Management 🌐 Digital Health Strategy 📊 Data-Driven Decision Making 🧬 Scientific & Medical Writing 🔬 Clinical Research Management 💻 High Technical Aptitude 💰 Financial Acumen 📈 KPIs & Performance Metrics 🏆 Quality Improvement 🚀 Rapid Growth Strategies Specialties: 🩺 Medical Sciences 🧠 Behavioral Health 🌐 Digital Health Solutions 🧘‍♂️ Psychiatry 🏋️‍♂️ Obesity & Weight Loss Interventions 🍽️ Eating Disorders 🧪 Translational Research I'm dedicated to advancing the intersection of technology and healthcare to enhance patient outcomes, and I'm always eager to connect with like-minded professionals. Let's collaborate to drive innovation and create lasting impact in the digital health space. Feel free to reach out—I'm open to networking, partnership opportunities, and engaging discussions on the future of healthcare and technology.

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