Anwuli Joy Ogbe, University of Benin, Nigeria
Anwuli Joy Ogbe is an early-career researcher and Physiology professional based in Edo State, Nigeria. Her core expertise is in neuroendocrinology, with a focus on reproductive physiology. Beyond research, she is deeply committed to advancing the physiology profession. She has designed and led community outreaches and educational programs to raise awareness and promote the study of physiology among students and the public. She mentors young researchers, advocates for discipline, better work experience and work to bridge scientific knowledge with public understanding. She is dedicated to professional growth, collaboration, and strengthening the impact of physiological sciences in our community.
Sue Cross, University of Birmingham, UK
Susan Cross is a Ph.D. student in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham. She holds a master’s degree in Sleep Medicine from the University of Oxford. She worked as a physiotherapist in the national spinal injuries centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital for more than 25 years, and as a clinical trials coordinator at Royal Papworth Hospital before moving to Birmingham. Her research investigates the neural control of breathing and respiratory neuroplasticity in healthy and spinal cord injured individuals. Sue is supported by a doctoral studentship from Spinal Research.
Dr Gabriela Gerganova, University of Glasgow, UK
Dr Gabriela Gerganova is a postdoctoral researcher in cardiovascular electrophysiology at the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow. Throughout her PhD, she was deeply involved in organising student conferences, managing everything from abstract screening and speaker invitations to funding, catering, and session chairing. During a 12-month internship, she organised and chaired monthly hybrid research assemblies for University of Glasgow academic staff, sharpening my skills in moderating engaging discussions across in-person and virtual formats. She has also served on panels assessing travel grant and leadership training applications. She is passionate about designing inclusive, well-balanced scientific programmes that foster meaningful interaction.
Dr Rachael Kemp
Dr Rachael Kemp’s research interests include muscle-brain crosstalk, precision exercise medicine, and interactions between exercise, inflammation, and mental health. She completed her PhD in Exercise Physiology at Swansea University in 2025, where her thesis investigated the effects of exercise serum on colorectal cancer cells. Her work combines human intervention studies with mechanistic science and in vitro models, with the aim of developing more targeted exercise prescriptions to improve health.
Aliya Maqsood, Mont Rose College, London, UK
Aliya Maqsood is a molecular physiologist, educator and science communicator with over ten years of experience in higher education. She is completing a PhD investigating genetic variation and inflammatory signalling in periodontitis and holds an MSc in Medical Education. Aliya is a Registered Scientist, Member of the Royal Society of Biology, Fellow of Advance HE and member of The Physiological Society. Her interests include molecular physiology, innovative teaching and widening public engagement with science. She has published research on team-based learning and is the author of The Genie in Me, a children’s science book introducing genetics through curiosity and storytelling.
Dr Monisha Ravikumar, Loughborough University, UK
Dr Monisha Ravikumar gained her Master’s degree in Physiotherapy (2016) from Sri Ramakrishna College of Physiotherapy, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, India, followed by a PhD from SRM Institute of Science and Technology (2022). She worked as an Assistant Professor at SRM College of Physiotherapy, combining teaching with research. Monisha was a Research Associate at Loughborough University from 2023 to 2026, examining the impact of heatwaves and the bedroom thermal environment on sleep and wellbeing. Monisha’s research interests span physiology, sleep, environmental health and emerging technologies. Outside academia, Monisha is a gym instructor and rehabilitation professional and enjoys exercise and fitness.
Dr Josh Thorley, University of Derby, UK
Dr Josh Thorley is a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology at the University of Derby and a member of The Physiological Society. Prior to this, he held postdoctoral positions at the University of Nottingham, where he utilised MRI techniques to quantify gastrointestinal responses to nutrients in healthy and clinical populations, and at Loughborough University, investigating the effects of (poly)phenols on muscle recovery. His primary research focuses on elucidating the aetiology of exercise-induced gastrointestinal distress and understanding the therapeutic and ergogenic effects of nutritional and pharmacological compounds, with the overarching aim of improving health, exercise tolerance, recovery, and physical performance.
Dr Basheer Waziri, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
Dr Basheer Isah Waziri is a Senior Lecturer in Human Physiology at Bayero University Kano, Nigeria, and Deputy Director, Centre for Biotechnology Research. He holds a PhD in Human Physiology and an MBBS in Medicine. A Research Fellow at the Kano Independent Research Centre Trust, where he leads the Climate Resilience Action Group (CRAG), advancing climate-health research and physiology-informed, community-driven initiatives. His research spans cardiovascular and molecular physiology and climate-health, with a particular interest in physiological resilience to environmental stress. An active member and Society Representative, Basheer is passionate about capacity building, mentorship, international collaboration and developing inclusive and impactful scientific programmes.