Work with thought leaders and academic experts from University of Wyoming

I am a current PhD student and experienced laboratory technician in molecular biology, with a strong background in avian behavior and ecology. My current research is focused on oncolytic virus and CAR T immunotherapies as treatment for osteosarcoma in a canine model. Additionally, I am passionate about scientific communication through interdisciplinary work and the arts.

Dr. Olson is a highly skilled and experienced behavioral neuroscience researcher with expertise in kinesiology, nutrition, meditation, mental health, cognition, and brain function. He received his Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from Rutgers University in 2016 where he primarily studied the influence of exercise and meditation on depression, cognition, and brain health. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology & Health Promotion from the University of Wyoming in 2010 where he focused on the effects of exercise on stress reactivity and autonomic function. Throughout his career, he has conducted extensive research utilizing psychophysiological techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG) to assess event-related potentials (ERP) and electrocardiography to measure heart rate variability (HRV) and pre-ejection period (PEP). Additionally, Dr. Olson is trained in mental health screenings, surveys and questionnaires, IQ testing, cognitive testing, exercise testing and prescription, meditation, metabolic/maximal fitness testing, signal processing, accelerometry, ecological momentary assessment, and data analysis. Common study designs he uses include reviews, meta-analysis, cross sectional, acute/chronic experimental, feasibility, and randomized-controlled trials. Dr. Olson is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion, and Recreation with a dual-appointment within the Department of Psychology at the University of North Texas. He established the UNT Sport and Exercise Psychophysiology Lab in 2016 where he currently serves as Lab Director.

Senior Technical Advisor and Manager with 15 years of experience in management consulting, product & business development, B2B, SaaS & B2C sales, strategy, project management and marketing. Subject matter expert in energy domain with experience leading consulting engagements, developing and managing scope, budget, and schedule. Liaison for cloud technology (OSDU, Delfi) and digital transformation within partner ecosystem in subsurface operations - seismic, well log, core, drilling, completion, and production. Close collaboration with sales teams to drive executive level customer relationships and influence executive decision making. Strong business acumen and personal skills, interaction with clients and agencies, managing groups of interdisciplinary scientists, engineers, and software developers.

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 😊.

Dr. Ioana C. Stefanescu is an organic geochemist and climate scientist. She holds a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Wyoming and a Bachelors of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago. After completing her undergraduate degree, Dr. Stefanescu pursued her passion for organic geochemistry and paleoclimate by obtaining her Ph.D. She conducted her doctoral research at the University of Wyoming, where she focused on the study of fossilized organic compounds as tools for reconstructing past climates. Following the completion of her Ph.D., Dr. Stefanescu continued her research as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Wyoming. During this time, she worked on several projects focused on reconstructing past climates in North America using ancient microbial compounds and water stable isotopes. In addition to her research experience, Dr. Stefanescu has also taught courses in geology at the university level. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise with the public and students and helping them develop a strong understanding of the Earth's processes. Dr. Stefanescu's work has been published in various scientific journals and she has presented her research at numerous conferences and symposiums. She is dedicated to advancing the field of paleoclimate through her contributions to the scientific community. In her free time, Dr. Stefanescu enjoys exploring the outdoors and traveling to new places with her family. She also enjoys reading and staying up-to-date on the latest developments in her field. With her extensive education and experience, she is a valuable asset to any geology team.

Dr. Aminda O’Hare is the Director of Neuroscience and an associate professor of Psychological Science at Weber State University in Ogden, UT. She specializes in teaching topics in affective and cognitive neuroscience both in the classroom and in her research lab. The CAPES Lab (Cognitive and Affective Psychophysiology and Experimental Science Lab) is particularly interested in how training in mindfulness practices alters emotion-cognition interactions in the brain. Aminda is an advocate for incorporating practices of wellbeing and healthy habits of mind into higher education for all participants in campus communities (i.e., students, staff, faculty). Aminda loves the outdoors, being in the mountains, spending time with her husband, and being with her dogs and cats.

I am a dedicated and accomplished materials scientist with 8+ years of experience in nanotechnology, renewable energy technologies, and the management of multiple projects simultaneously. Highly skilled in strategic planning, leading diverse high-performance teams, project management, consultancy, and advisement, and conducting book reviews in areas of nanotechnology and diverse scientific disciplines. I have authored 22 publications in international journals, hold 4 US patents, and delivered 15+ scientific presentations.

Travis Hesterberg currently heads the research and development center for Ecobat as the Director of Technology and Innovation.  He has been with the company for nine years and is based in Dallas, TX.  Travis graduated with his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin.  Current research and development efforts for Ecobat focus on battery recycling process improvements, improved metal recoveries and waste minimization.

Performance-focused and resourceful professional with 25 years of Food Industry experience and 10+ years of experience in providing consulting and implementing solutions for diverse industry clients.  Proven track record in driving client success by offering innovative, personalized solutions targeting specific client needs.  Instrumental in leading teams and collaborating across business functions to execute projects and meet targets.

As a seasoned sports scientist with extensive experience in Division 1 collegiate athletics, I bring a deep understanding and commitment to enhancing athlete performance and safety. My role as Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Rehabilitation involves applying a robust educational foundation, including a PhD in Health and Human Performance, an MBA, and an MS in Kinesiology and Health Promotion. My expertise spans strength and conditioning, sports medicine, and data analytics. I have significantly improved rehabilitation outcomes and reduced athlete downtime through effective injury risk mitigation and performance benchmarking. In my leadership role, I manage large-scale budgets and spearhead strategic partnerships that advance athlete care and support services. My commitment to professional excellence is further demonstrated by my active contributions to peer-reviewed publications and involvement in professional associations, underscoring my dedication to advancing the field of sports science and athlete development. <br>