1. Dr. David Abernethy | Postdoctoral Fellow, Cancer Council Queensland, Australia; Visiting Fellow, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Australia 

Forschungsinteressen: My doctoral research examined how physical activity may reduce chronic disease prevalence across body mass index classifications, and my current postdoctoral work includes analyses related to physical activity, physical functioning, and quality of life in ovarian cancer survivorship.

Warum ich an der Akademie teilnehme: I am particularly motivated to participate in the Academy because it offers hands-on peer review training through manuscripts submitted to JPAH, supported by one-on-one mentorship from an expert in the field. This structure would directly help me develop the skills required to evaluate manuscripts rigorously, assess scientific merit, consider the ethical and practical aspects of peer review, and prepare constructive reviewer reports. As I continue to build my research profile, these skills will be essential not only for my own development, but also for contributing to the quality and integrity of research within the broader physical activity and public health communities. 

Mentor: Dr. Gregore Mielke

2. Bushra Ali |PhD Student, London Sport Institute, Middlesex University London, UK 

Forschungsinteressen: My research interests include physical activity promotion, public health, behaviour change, healthy ageing, and the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases. My doctoral research focuses on developing a physical activity strategy to counteract metabolic syndrome among the multi-ethnic population of the United Arab Emirates. This work explores the physiological, behavioural, and socio-cultural factors influencing physical activity participation and aims to generate evidence-informed recommendations that can be translated into practice, policy, and population health initiatives. 

Warum ich an der Akademie teilnehme: I recognise the importance of learning from experienced editors and reviewers to enhance my ability to provide fair, constructive, and impactful feedback. I am particularly interested in strengthening my understanding of best practices in peer review, research quality assessment, and publication ethics. 

Mentor: Dr. Loretta DiPietro  

3. Julissa Ortiz-Brunel | PhD Student, Public Health Sciences, National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Mexico  

Forschungsinteressen: My research focuses on physical activity, gender inequalities, built environment and spatial disparities, and social epidemiology, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. 

Warum ich an der Akademie teilnehme: Through my doctoral research, I have become increasingly aware of the critical role that peer review plays in ensuring that scientific evidence is rigorous, transparent, and capable of informing public health policy and practice. My research experiences to date have reinforced my commitment not only to producing high-quality research but also to contributing to the integrity of the scientific literature through thoughtful and rigorous peer review. 

Mentor: Dr. Michael Pratt  

5. Raúl D. Gierbolini-Rivera |PhD Candidate, Bursky School of Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, USA 

 

Forschungsinteressen: My research focuses on understanding the relationship between climate change and physical activity, with an emphasis on developing, implementing, and sustaining strategies to maximize the co-benefits of physical activity for planetary health. 

Warum ich an der Akademie teilnehme: I highly value peer review as a cornerstone of scientific rigor and integrity. I recognize the importance of structured training to further develop my ability to provide constructive and meaningful feedback to authors. I am particularly interested in strengthening my ability to critically assess manuscripts, provide clear and actionable feedback, and uphold high standards of scientific quality. 

Mentor: Dr. Pedro Hallal

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6. Dr. Malebogo Monnaatsie | Lecturer, Department of Sport Science, Physical Education and Coaching, University of Botswana, Botswana 

Forschungsinteressen: My current research focus includes physical activity and sedentary behaviour assessment in children and youth, the integration of physical activity in healthcare, and workplace-based health promotion. 

Warum ich an der Akademie teilnehme: Participation in this program will not only benefit me personally but will also have a positive impact on the field of physical activity and health in Botswana and Africa. This experience will contribute to the professional capacity building of our department at the University of Botswana, in the largely unexplored field of physical activity epidemiology.

Mentor: Dr. Jasper Schipperijn

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7. Chessa S. Pituk | PhD Candidate, College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University, Thailand; Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines 

Forschungsinteressen: My research focuses on increasing physical activity through physical education among lower secondary students in Asian countries. I am interested in the motives for sports and exercise participation as well as school-based physical activity interventions.

Warum ich an der Akademie teilnehme: I believe that this opportunity will help me become a more effective researcher and a competent and ethical peer reviewer. In the future, this will be an essential part of contributing to high-quality scientific research.

Mentor: Dr. Eun-Young Lee

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8. Dr. Kaitlyn Swinney | Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work, USA  

Forschungsinteressen: I work with high-need communities to create tailored interventions that address higher levels of influence to change the cultural norms of activity in their community and create sustainability through time. I use community-based participatory research, mixed methods, and biological assessments to increase the understanding of how to best work together with communities on tailored solutions for increased active living. 

Warum ich an der Akademie teilnehme: I have appreciated reviewers’ comments and feedback on my work, and I believe that my contributions to science have been much more effective and compelling as a result of their suggestions. I believe hands-on experience with a mentor would help me to become an independent and effective peer reviewer for the research community. 

Mentor: Dr. Trish Tucker

9. Weixiao Zhang | PhD Student, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland 

Forschungsinteressen: My current research explores how virtual reality exergaming can serve as a digital gateway to physical activity and social reconnection for military veterans and first responders. 

Warum ich an der Akademie teilnehme: I want to develop into a rigorous and fair reviewer at the outset of my research career, rather than acquiring these skills informally and in isolation. Serving as a reviewer would keep me engaged with the newest research in the field, and would be invaluable as I build toward an academic career.

Mentor: Dr. Stuart Biddle

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