Dr. Fugate is a worldwide expert on emotion theory and perception, trained in the cognitive underpinnings of how people construct emotion through their language. She is the author of numerous empirical and theoretical pieces on the role of language in emotion, as well as a certified Facial Action Coder. She received her PhD from Emory University in Comparative Social Cognition, completing two postdocs in human emotion with the renowned psychologist and author, Lisa Feldman Barrett at Northeastern University. Dr. Fugate received tenure and promotion at the University of MA- Dartmouth, where she worked for nine years. During this time, her work was featured in Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Talking to Strangers. She was awarded Scholar of the Year by the University of MA-Dartmouth Faculty Federation in 2019. Dr. Fugate is now an Associate Professor in Psychology at Kansas City University and directs the ABLE (affective, behavior, learning, and embodiment) lab for able mind and body. Her co-edited 2022 book with MIT Press, Movement Matters: How Embodied Cognition Informs Teaching and Learning, was among the top ten downloaded books through Direct2Open, reaching over 10,000 downloads. She is a member of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, APA, and APS. She is currently working on a new book about embodied intelligences across lifeforms.

Michaela Tonsager is a medical student at Kansas City University with a passion for integrating embodied cognition and immersive technology into medical education. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota Duluth before pursuing her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Kansas City University. She has been a member of Kansas City University’s ABLE (Affect, Behavior, Learning, and Embodiment) Lab for several years, and has concentrated her research on investigating the impact of virtual and augmented reality on student performance and learning outcomes. She is an active member of both the American Academy of Neurology and the American Academy of Osteopathy. Upon graduation Michaela plans to pursue a career in neurology, where she hopes to incorporate her passion for medical education into both residency and her future practice. Through her work, she aims to explore innovative ways to integrate embodied cognition into medical curricula and enhance training by implementing evidence-based, technology-driven learning strategies that better prepare future clinicians.

Dr. Sheila Landers Macrine is a leading cognitive psychologist and Professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where she directs the Special Education Program. Holding two PhDs from Temple University, her groundbreaking research in embodied cognition, cognitive development, and alternative assessment has fundamentally challenged both traditional cognitive and educational paradigms. Dr. Macrine's innovative work includes developing alternative culturally sensitive IQ assessments and pioneering methods for evaluating students with intellectual disabilities. A highly productive author and grant recipient, her recent publications on embodied cognition in the International Journal of School and Educational Psychology and the Oxford Research Encyclopedias-Education at Oxford University Press, among others,  underscore her influence.  Her co-edited book, Movement Matters: How Embodied Cognition Informs Teaching and Learning (MIT Press, 2020), achieved remarkable success, garnering award nominations and being listed among the top ten downloaded books through MIT Press’ Direct2Open, reaching over 10,000 downloads. Dr. Macrine is currently at the forefront of research, developing a cutting-edge book for MIT Press on embodied intelligence across entities.