Mei Mei Rado is an Assistant Professor at Bard Graduate Center, specializing in textile and dress history with a focus on China and France (18th–20th centuries). Her work connects global networks to local cultural systems through material analysis and cross-cultural interpretation. Education: PhD, Bard Graduate Center MA, University of Chicago BA, Nanjing University Research Interests: She explores intercultural textile exchanges, particularly European-Chinese interactions, rococo style diffusion, and Qing court arts. Her forthcoming book The Empire’s New Cloth (Yale, 2025) examines European textiles in Qing imperial contexts. Publications: Recent works include analyses of 18th-century French drapery, Qing cosmopolitanism through Japanese screens, and lamé textiles in modern fashion. Her research spans material culture, cross-cultural aesthetics, and historical networks. Curatorial Practice: Formerly Associate Curator at LACMA, she pioneered modern Chinese fashion collections. Collaborations with European/American institutions continue through her current projects on Edo-period textiles and light in fashion history.
Nicholas J. Marantz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy at the University of California, Irvine . His work bridges legal theory, urban planning, and empirical analysis to address housing affordability, land use regulation, and metropolitan governance. Education: Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology , J.D. from Harvard Law School . Research Interests focus on the intersection of law, politics, and planning, with emphasis on land-use regulation, environmental law, housing equity, and the socioeconomic impacts of zoning policies. His studies often employ spatial and quantitative methods to analyze disparities and governance frameworks. Selected Publications highlight trends in land-use regulation, housing affordability, climate policy, and metropolitan governance. His recent work examines state-level oversight of local planning, accessory dwelling units in California, and the role of legal materials in urban development.
Mark D. Gross is a Professor of Computer Science and Director of the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder. His research focuses on modular robotics, tangible interaction design, digital fabrication, and computational design. He co-founded Modular Robotics and Blank Slate Systems, leveraging his expertise in educational technology and maker culture. Education: PhD in Design Theory & Methods from MIT. Academic history includes roles at Carnegie Mellon University and University of Washington Seattle. His work spans architecture, robotics, and human-computer interaction. Research Interests: Modular robotics and computationally enhanced construction kits Tangible interaction and e-textiles Shape-changing interfaces and swarm robotics Sketch-based interaction and digital fabrication Publications highlight advancements in collaborative AR systems, shape-changing interfaces (e.g., LiftTiles, ShapeBots), and accessible technologies like FluxMarker. His work bridges computational tools and creative design processes. Advising: Guided students such as Ryo Suzuki (PhD '20). Entrepreneurial ventures include companies spun off from research. Labs/Teams: Leads projects at the ATLAS Institute, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration in robotics, design, and human-centered computing.
Monica Sklar is an Associate Professor and Curator of the Historic Clothing and Textiles Collection at the University of Georgia, affiliated with the College of Family and Consumer Sciences and the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors. She holds a Ph.D. in Design-History & Culture from the University of Minnesota (2010). Education: Ph.D. in Design-History & Culture, University of Minnesota (2010) Research Interests: Dr. Sklar’s work focuses on subcultural identity formation through dress, museum digitization practices, and post-custodial archiving. Her research explores how aesthetics, production, and consumption shape communities, particularly in late-20th century U.S. subcultures like punk. She also investigates metadata frameworks for improving accessibility to cultural heritage collections. Articles Overview: Her recent publications analyze punk fashion’s cyclical influence, user experience challenges in museum archives, and Syrian clothing preservation. Key themes include cultural heritage preservation, digital humanities applications, and the intersection of fashion with consumer behavior and identity. Awards & Grants: Recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year Award (2010, University of Minnesota) UGA Jr. Faculty Research Grant, Pasold Foundation, and Willson Center funding Advising & Grants: Mentored multiple graduate and undergraduate students in research projects, including those winning Costume Society of America awards. Active in securing institutional and private grants to support her work. Labs/Teams: Curates the Historic Clothing and Textiles Collection at UGA and leads initiatives like the Inter-Institutional Archive Search Portal. Serves as Vice President of Education for the Costume Society of America, advocating for diversity and educational outreach in fashion studies.
Dr. Richard Y. Zhao is a tenured Professor in the Department of Pathology and Microbiology-Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His research combines molecular biology, fission yeast genetics, mammalian biology, and virology to study virus-host interactions, particularly for HIV and Zika virus. He previously held academic positions at Northwestern University and Columbia University and has contributed to over 120 peer-reviewed articles. B.S., China Oceanography University (1981) M.S., Oregon State University (1995) Ph.D., Oregon State University (1991) Postdoctoral Training, Columbia University (1991-1992) Dr. Zhao's research focuses on: Virus-host interactions and pathogenicity High-throughput drug screening for antivirals Role of viral proteins in neuroinflammation and cancer Translational genomics in precision medicine His recent publications highlight SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a, Zika envelope proteins, and HIV protease inhibitors, emphasizing host-pathogen mechanisms across species. He has served on NIH panels and editorial boards for journals like Cell Research and Retrovirology . Scientific awards include: Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology (2019) Bernard L Mirkin Endowed Chair (2001-2004) Honorary Director, Shandong Gallo Institute (2009) Distinguished Service from SCBA (2015) Outstanding Service from CBA-USA (2016) Dr. Zhao also contributes to clinical diagnostics and personalized medicine through molecular testing and pharmacogenetics programs.
Helder Carvalho is an Associate Professor at the University of Minho's School of Engineering, Campus de Azurém, where he also serves as Director of the Department of Textile Engineering and Director of the Master's program in Textile and Accessories Product Design and Innovation. His academic career spans over three decades, with a focus on textile engineering and its intersection with electronics and automation systems. His educational background includes: PhD in Textile Engineering (2004) from University of Minho, School of Engineering MSc in Textile Engineering (1998) from University of Minho, School of Engineering BSc in Electrotechnical and Computer Engineering (1992) from University of Porto, Faculty of Engineering Professor Carvalho's research primarily focuses on smart textiles, textile sensors, and instrumentation systems for industrial sewing machines. His work bridges the gap between traditional textile manufacturing and modern electronics, creating innovative solutions for interactive textiles and wearable technology. He has particular expertise in developing flexible sensors that can be integrated into fabrics for applications ranging from sports performance monitoring to healthcare. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward sports applications of smart textiles, with numerous papers on fencing apparel, karate body protectors, and general athletic performance monitoring. The research spans material science, sensor development, and user experience design, showing a comprehensive approach to creating functional and attractive smart textile products. Professor Carvalho has received recognition through research funding from major institutions: BE@T Bioeconomy Textile and Clothing (current) Greenauto - Green Innovation for the Automotive Industry (current) Factor ST+ (2021-2023) FAMEST (2017-2020) TSSIPRO (2016-2019) He has directed multiple academic programs including the Master's in Textile and Accessories Product Design and Innovation, and coordinated educational initiatives like the CET 'Fashion Commerce' program. His work at the Textile Science and Technology Centre demonstrates a commitment to translating research into practical applications across sports, healthcare, and industrial manufacturing sectors.
Professor Graham Ladds is a Professor of Receptor Pharmacology at the University of Cambridge's Department of Pharmacology and Fellow of St John's College. He serves as Co-Director of the Cambridge Academy of Therapeutic Science and Director of Studies for Pharmacology. His academic journey includes a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Birmingham and PhD in yeast pheromone signalling from the University of Warwick, where he progressed to Associate Professor before joining Cambridge in 2015. His research focuses on G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology, specializing in: Agonist bias mechanisms and signaling dynamics Mathematical modeling of receptor-ligand interactions RAMPs (Receptor Activity-Modifying Proteins) in Class B1 GPCRs Intracellular calcium signaling pathways Development of biosensors for receptor activity screening He employs multidisciplinary approaches combining pharmacological assays, computational modeling, and machine learning. His recent publications demonstrate strong focus on adenosine receptor pharmacology, GPCR signaling bias, and therapeutic applications for metabolic/cardiovascular disorders. Research frequently appears in high-impact journals with significant industry collaboration themes. Honors include: Fellow of the British Pharmacological Society (2020) Royal Society Industry Fellowship for collaboration with AstraZeneca He leads a 17-member research group investigating GPCR signaling dynamics and maintains active industry partnerships with GSK, Takeda, and AstraZeneca. His teaching includes lectures on drug-receptor interactions and diabetes therapeutics for medical/natural sciences students. Laboratory activities focus on: BRET-based molecular probing of GPCR interactions Development of computational models for receptor activation Calcium signaling studies continuing legacy of Professor Colin Taylor Industry-linked drug discovery projects
Kathleen Horton is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Design at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Faculty of Creative Industries, Education & Social Justice. She is co-leader of TextileR, a research group focused on sustainability in the fashion industry, and has held leadership roles including Head of Discipline (Fashion) and Director of The Stitchery Collective. Her work bridges academic research, education, and community engagement in fashion, ethics, and sustainability. Master of Philosophy (Queensland University of Technology) Master of Arts (Research) (Queensland University of Technology) Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Visual Arts (Queensland University of Technology) Kathleen Horton's research is grounded in feminist and critical theory, focusing on the ethical and gendered dimensions of fashion production and consumption. Her work explores sustainable fashion, the cultural economy of independent design, fashion curation, and the role of creative practice in revaluing post-consumer textile waste. She emphasizes material methods and community-based research, often integrating artistic practice with academic inquiry. Her teaching includes DFB102 Fashion Communication, DFB206 Global Fashion Cultures, and DFB305 Critical Fashion Studies. Her recent publications reflect a strong trajectory in critiquing fast fashion, examining digital activism, and reimagining circular economies in textiles. Themes include the feminisation of ethical responsibility, symbolic value in craft, and Indigenous sustainable fashion. Her interdisciplinary approach connects fashion with art, social justice, and environmental sustainability. Kathleen has successfully supervised multiple doctoral and master’s students, with research topics spanning gender representation, fashion curation, and the cultural economy of fashion. She has secured grants from national and state funding bodies to support socially engaged fashion projects. Her leadership extends beyond the university through her role as Chair of The Nest Community, supporting a women-led circular textile economy, and her past service on the advisory board of the National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme, which contributed to national policy development. Her research is deeply collaborative, often involving partnerships with artists, communities, and industry stakeholders. Through TextileR and The Stitchery Collective, she fosters interdisciplinary and socially responsive design practices. Her work consistently challenges dominant fashion paradigms and advocates for more ethical, inclusive, and sustainable futures in the industry.
Ross McPhie is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Innovation at Teesside University's Leadership, Management & Human Resources department. With over 15 years in e-commerce and 25+ years across global brands, he specializes in strategic marketing, product development, and brand management. His academic work bridges industry experience with academic thought, focusing on digital-first approaches. Education: MBA (2008–2010) from Open University BSc (Hons) Textiles and Fashion Design Management (1998) from Heriot-Watt University Research Interests: Ross focuses on digital transformation in marketing, brand innovation, and product lifecycle strategies. His expertise spans global markets, with particular emphasis on disruptive technologies, cross-cultural brand adaptation, and omnichannel retail strategies. He combines academic rigor with practical insights from leadership roles at Nike, Rip Curl, and Berghaus. Professional Experience: Product & Strategy Director, Vivida Lifestyle (2022–2023) Head of Brand and Product, The Bazaar Group (2020–2021) Managing Director, Little Land Play Ltd (2017–2020) Founder/Director, I Sunk Your Battleship (2013–2017) Global Influence: Ross has worked in the US, France, Netherlands, Asia, and Australia, leading design and strategy teams in sports apparel, outdoor gear, and accessories sectors. His career reflects a deep understanding of merging creative design with data-driven business growth.
Manuel Damásio is a Tenured Professor at the University of Minho and Director of the Department of Cinema and Media Arts at Lusófona University in Lisbon, Portugal. He serves as Coordinator of the European University for Film and Media Arts (FILMEU), Chair of the European Association of Film and Audiovisual Schools (GEECT), and Member of the Executive Committee of CILECT. His academic work spans film studies, media arts, and communication, with a particular focus on European film markets and audience research. Dr. Damásio earned his PhD in Communication from Universidade Nova de Lisboa. His academic journey has led him to prominent leadership roles in European film education initiatives, including coordinating the FilmEU project under the European Universities Initiative (EPP-EUR-UNIV-2020). His research interests center on film and media studies with emphasis on European film markets, audience engagement, cultural diversity in audiovisual content, and digital media. Dr. Damásio has extensively studied Portuguese television, particularly soap operas, examining their cultural significance and production practices. His work also intersects with health communication, exploring how media technologies can promote health behavior change, and digital literacy, especially among older populations. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on European film markets, particularly examining how small European countries' films are represented on streaming platforms. His research increasingly incorporates AI-powered methods for audience research and explores the future of film education in Europe within the context of the European Universities Initiative. Dr. Damásio leads multiple significant research projects including WIRE FilmEU (2023-2028), FilmMemory (2023-2029), FilmEU Plus (2023-2027), REPLAY (2023-2029), and CresCine (2023-2026), all focused on advancing film and media arts education and research across European institutions. He is actively involved in numerous research collaborations through CICANT (Research Center for Applied Communication, Culture and New Technologies), ECATI (School of Communication, Architecture, Arts and Technologies), and COPELABS (Research Center for Human-Centered Computing and Cognition), where he contributes to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of media, technology, and society.
Juan Luis Fuentes Osorio serves as a University Professor in the Department of Criminal Law, Philosophy of Law, Moral Philosophy and Philosophy at the University of Jaen, Spain. His academic work is anchored within the Criminal Law, Criminology, Democracy and Fundamental Rights research group, where he contributes to interdisciplinary scholarship at the intersection of legal theory and societal protection mechanisms. He earned his PhD from the University of Jaen in 2003 with the dissertation "The anticipation of criminal protection and preparatory acts of crime," supervised by Dr. Guillermo Portilla Contreras. This foundational work established his expertise in criminal law theory and preparatory acts doctrine. His research spans Criminal Law, Criminology, Environmental Criminal Law, Corporate Criminal Liability, and Hate Speech regulation. He critically examines the tension between theoretical legal frameworks and practical enforcement challenges, particularly regarding environmental protection mechanisms and corporate accountability structures. His scholarship consistently addresses the philosophical underpinnings of criminal responsibility while engaging with contemporary issues like digital hate speech and ecological crime. Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals three dominant thematic clusters: environmental criminal law effectiveness (focusing on enforcement gaps and sanction proportionality), corporate criminal liability (examining penalty determination for legal entities), and hate speech regulation (analyzing legal boundaries in digital spaces). His work demonstrates methodological rigor through comparative legal analysis and empirical assessment of judicial practices. Within the Criminal Law, Criminology, Democracy and Fundamental Rights research group, he collaborates on projects exploring the constitutional dimensions of criminal justice and the protection of fundamental rights within democratic frameworks. His institutional affiliation provides the foundation for sustained scholarly contributions to Spanish and European criminal law discourse.
Laura Bianchi, Ph.D., is a Professor of Physiology and Biophysics with expertise in ion channel biology and sensory neuroscience. Her research focuses on glial-neuronal interactions, particularly the role of ion channels and transporters in modulating synaptic function and behavior using C. elegans as a model organism. Key interests include DEG/ENaC channels in sensory perception and neurotoxicity, and the molecular mechanisms underlying glial contributions to nervous system function. Education: She holds a PhD in Physiology from the University of Florence (1997) and a BS in Biochemistry from the University of Milan (1992). Research Highlights: Bianchi's lab investigates glial ion channel regulation of GABA release, calcium-mediated neurotoxicity in DEG/ENaC dysfunction, and the discovery of novel glial-enriched channels. Recent work includes identifying an ER anion channel and developing protocols for imaging calcium in glia. Notable Awards: U-Choose SEEDS Award (2024), FASI Award (2024) Labs/Teams: Active in collaborative research on mechanosensation and neurodegeneration, with a lab website at laura-bianchi.com .
Prof. Júlia Sabová is a Professor and Department Chairperson at the Department of Textiles at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design (AFAD) in Bratislava. She has led the Fashion Design Studio since 1994 and became Department Chair in 2002. Her academic journey includes habilitation in textile art (2003) and a diploma from AFAD's Textile Studio (1977). She teaches courses in fashion design, clothing technology, and experimental modeling. Education: 1973–1977: Secondary School of Applied Arts, Textile Design 1977–1983: AFAD, Textile Studio Professional Experience: 1983–1985: Textile Designer at Bavlnárskych Závodoch Texicom 1994–present: Head of Fashion Design Studio, AFAD 2002–present: Chair of Textile Department, AFAD Her artistic work focuses on fashion accessories (e.g., hats), free textile art, interior textile design, and paper-based sculptures. Notable themes include geometric patterns and experimental textile techniques. Her exhibitions and projects emphasize interdisciplinary approaches combining design, art, and craftsmanship.
Dr. Emine ERDOĞAN is a full-time academic at Kafkas University's Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Textile and Fashion Design, holding positions as Lecturer (2014–2023) and currently as Doctoral Faculty Member (since 2023) and Deputy Dean (since 2025). She earned her PhD in Art and Design from Süleyman Demirel University (2021), MSc in Geography of Turkey from Ankara University (2011), and BSc in Clothing Industry and Fashion Design Education from Gazi University (2008). Her research focuses on traditional textile design, cultural heritage preservation, sustainable fashion, and ethnographic costume analysis. Key research projects include revitalizing Kars' traditional clothing through miniature dolls and studying historical military attire at the Kafkas Front War History Museum. She has authored/co-authored 29 publications including books like Kars Geleneksel Giysilerinin Günümüz Giysi Tasarımına Katkıları and edited Sanat ve Tasarım Perspektifinden Sarıkamış Harekatı . Her articles explore topics from 3D printing in fashion to mythological symbolism in textiles. Teaching responsibilities include courses on textile science, weaving techniques, and career planning. She actively participates in international conferences and organizes exhibitions like the Kars Geleneksel Giysili Bebekler showcase. Her work emphasizes bridging traditional craftsmanship with modern design through projects like Kars Traditional Clothing Revitalization .
Prof. Alexander Barnes is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences and Head of the Institute of Molecular Physical Science at ETH Zürich. His research focuses on advanced magnetic resonance techniques, gyrotron technology, and biomolecular structural analysis. Key areas include high-power microwave source development for NMR applications, structural characterization of viral proteins (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), and cryogenic instrumentation for enhanced spectroscopy. Barnes has pioneered innovations in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) systems, frequency-agile gyrotrons, and miniaturized superconducting magnets. His work bridges fundamental physics with biomedical and materials science applications. Current projects address protein-membrane interactions, THz gyrotron design, and cryogenic NMR probe optimization. Barnes collaborates extensively with international research groups and industry partners to advance analytical instrumentation and disease-related molecular mechanisms. Publications reflect a sustained focus on experimental and computational methods for magnetic resonance, including breakthroughs in electron beam modeling, frequency-chirped DNP, and ultra-high-field magnet development. His engineering contributions include spherical rotor systems for magic-angle spinning and lightweight gyrotron cavities. Barnes also leads initiatives in solid-state NMR for drug discovery, particularly targeting protein kinase modulation in T-cells and viral assembly mechanisms.
