Professor Jes Sammut is a faculty member at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences . He serves as Deputy Dean for External Engagement and leads the UNSW Aquaculture Research Group , while also holding the position of Deputy Director (International) at the Centre for Marine Science & Innovation. Additionally, he is an Honorary Research Fellow at ANSTO , where he uses nuclear tools to study seafood provenance. His research spans biological, physical, and social sciences, focusing on aquaculture solutions across Australia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Professor David Nichols is a faculty member in the Melbourne School of Design at The University of Melbourne, holding the position of Professor in Urban Planning. His research focuses on urban planning history, theory, and socio-cultural planning with particular attention to 20th century Australian contexts. He has authored/co-authored significant works including Urban Australia and Post-Punk: Exploring Dogs in Space and The Alert Grey Twinkling Eyes of C. J. DeGaris . His research interests span urban and cultural heritage, architectural history, and the socio-cultural dimensions of urban development. Notable projects include the 'PastPort' mobile app for citizen heritage engagement and studies on community activism in public space conservation. Nichols teaches courses on urban planning history and has contributed to debates on postwar planning education and regional development strategies. His academic output reflects interdisciplinary engagement with topics ranging from suburban morphology to audiovisual technology in education. Current work includes exploring the legacy of Walter Burley Griffin’s urban designs and reinterpreting Australian country town dynamics. He maintains active collaborations in cultural heritage preservation and community-driven urban initiatives.
Dr. Zhigang Peng is a Professor in the School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Institute of Technology, part of the College of Sciences. His research focuses on seismicity dynamics, fault zone imaging, and data science applications in geophysics. He holds a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from the University of Southern California (2004), an M.S. in Electrical Engineering (2002), and a B.S. in Geophysics from the University of Science and Technology of China (1998). Dr. Peng’s work spans seismological studies of earthquake triggering mechanisms, fault zone structures, and deep-focus earthquakes. He has pioneered dense seismic array techniques to image fault systems and employs machine learning for event detection and phase picking. His recent projects include analyzing the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake sequence in Türkiye and the 2024 Noto earthquake in Japan. He leads initiatives like the Center for Collective Impact in Earthquake Science (C-CIES), promoting inclusive scientific collaboration. Research Highlights: Fault zone imaging, dynamic triggering, AI-driven seismology Labs: ES&T 2235 (Seismology Lab), ES&T 2256 (Office) His awards include the 2002 AGU Outstanding Student Paper Award. He actively contributes to earthquake hazard assessment, nuclear explosion monitoring, and volcano-seismic interactions, with over 150 peer-reviewed publications.
Dr. Amy Damashek serves as Professor in the Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses while mentoring Clinical Psychology doctoral students. She chairs the department's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and maintains an active research program focused on vulnerable populations. Education: Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Missouri-Columbia (2007) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2009) Research Focus: Her work centers on preventing child maltreatment and unintentional injuries among at-risk youth, with specialized expertise in infant sleep-related deaths and health disparities . She develops culturally responsive parenting interventions for low-income and Spanish-speaking families, emphasizing community-based solutions through home visiting programs. Publication Trends: Recent work (2020-2023) demonstrates consistent focus on pandemic adaptation of family services, safe sleep practices in marginalized communities, and digital intervention strategies. Her mixed-methods approach bridges clinical psychology with public health, prioritizing implementation in real-world settings. Scientific Recognition: Fellow of the American Psychological Association Former President of APA Division 37 (Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice) Grants & Mentoring: Secured federal funding for child injury prevention in underserved communities. Mentors Clinical Psychology doctoral students with emphasis on culturally competent practice, accepting new graduate students for Fall 2025. Her federally funded work directly informs evidence-based home visiting protocols. Research Ecosystem: Collaborates extensively with community health workers, home visiting agencies, and pediatric care providers to implement and evaluate interventions addressing structural barriers in family support systems.
Ke Yang serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), College of Sciences. He founded and leads the Cohort for AI REsponsibility (CAREAI) initiative, while also holding core faculty positions in UTSA's School of Data Science and MATRIX (AI Consortium for Human Well-being). Education: Ph.D. from New York University (supervised by Prof. Julia Stoyanovich) Research Focus: Dr. Yang's work centers on AI trustworthiness and responsibility , with specialized expertise in algorithmic fairness, data ethics, and human-centered data science. His research addresses critical challenges including Large Language Model hallucinations, explainable AI frameworks, and algorithmic accountability mechanisms. He actively develops open-source tools like Ranking Facts and FairDAGs to implement these principles in practical systems. Publication Trends: Recent work (2020-2025) demonstrates evolving focus from foundational fairness in ranking systems toward generative AI safety and medical applications. His publications show strong theoretical grounding combined with real-world implementation, particularly in privacy policy analysis and medical question-answering systems using causal inference techniques. Scientific Recognition: Pearl Brownstein Doctoral Research Award (NYU Tandon School of Engineering) CDS Postdoctoral Fellowship (University of Massachusetts) Professional Development: Dr. Yang has secured significant research funding including the CDS Postdoctoral Fellowship at UMass. His graduate work at NYU and Drexel University was fully supported by research assistantships, demonstrating consistent funding acquisition throughout his career. He actively contributes to academic community building through conference tutorials and educational initiatives. Research Ecosystem: He directs CAREAI at UTSA while collaborating across institutional boundaries through MATRIX and the School of Data Science. Previously, he contributed to the Data systems Research for Exploration, Analytics, and Modeling (DREAM) lab and Center for Data Science at UMass Amherst, maintaining continuity in his responsible AI research trajectory.
Qing (Cindy) Chang is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Virginia. Her research focuses on cyber-physical systems for smart manufacturing, real-time production control, and human-robot collaboration. Prior to academia, she worked at General Motors, earning three Boss Kettering Awards for innovation. She holds an M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Ph.D. in Manufacturing from the University of Michigan. Education: M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison Ph.D. in Manufacturing, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor Research Interests: Cyber-Physical Systems for Smart Manufacturing Real-time Production Control Knowledge-guided Machine Learning-based Control Human-Robot Collaboration in Industrial Settings Intelligent Maintenance and Energy Management Awards: 20 most influential professors in smart manufacturing (2020) NSF CAREER Award (2014) General Motors Boss Kettering Awards (2005, 2006, 2008) GM R&D Charles L. McCuen Special Achievement Awards (2005, 2006, 2008) Leadership & Grants: She serves on the board of NAMRI/SME and holds editorial roles in ASME, IEEE, and SME journals. Her work bridges AI, robotics, and manufacturing systems, with notable grants including the NSF CAREER Award. Labs & Teams: Her Intelligent Systems Lab develops AI-driven solutions for manufacturing efficiency and sustainability, focusing on energy management, predictive analytics, and human-robot collaboration.
Rosella Gennari is an Associate Professor in Computer Science at the Faculty of Engineering, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, where she conducts research and teaches in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Her work is centered on designing interactive technologies for children, focusing on physical-digital (phygital) artefacts, Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL), and inclusive design. She leads the Research Unit Human-Centred Intelligent Systems and is actively involved in institutional leadership, including serving on the Third-Mission Board. Ph.D. : Computer Science, Amsterdam University (2002) Postdoctoral Experience : CWI, Amsterdam (ERCIM Alain Bensoussan Fellow); FBK-irst, Trento Leadership : Scientific & Technological Coordinator of the FP7-EU TERENCE project Her research explores how children interact with and design smart technologies, including IoT and AI, through playful and tangible interfaces. She investigates socio-emotional learning, digital well-being, and responsible design, often employing participatory and action research methods. Her work bridges computer science, education, and social impact, aiming to empower young learners as co-creators of technology. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend in developing and evaluating toolkits and frameworks for children and pre-teens to engage in designing smart things, IoT systems, and sustainable cities. Her work consistently emphasizes inclusivity, reflection, and responsible design, often in collaboration with teachers and learners. The publications span top HCI venues and journals, demonstrating a focus on practical applications in educational settings and the impact of technology on young users. Scientific Awards and Recognition ERCIM Alain Bensoussan Fellowship for talented young researchers Editorial Board Member, Journal of Child Computer Interaction (Elsevier, Q1) Regular reviewer for top HCI conferences and journals Advising and Grants : While specific advisees are not listed, her leadership role in the FP7-EU TERENCE project and numerous other research initiatives indicates extensive experience in securing and managing competitive grants. She mentors students through her research group and teaching, fostering the next generation of HCI researchers. Her collaborative network is extensive, with frequent co-authorship with researchers such as Alessandra Melonio, Maristella Matera, and Mehdi Rizvi. Labs and Teams : She leads the Human-Centred Intelligent Systems research unit, which serves as her primary lab and team. This group focuses on placing humans at the center of computer science and information engineering research. She is also a core member of the organizing committee for the MIS4TEL international conference series, highlighting her role in building and sustaining a global research community in Technology-Enhanced Learning.
Andrea Lanzini is a Full Professor in the Department of Energy (DENERG) at the Polytechnic University of Turin, where he is also a member of the Interdepartmental Center Ec-L - Energy Center Lab. He serves as Scientific Advisor for the Partnership Agreement with Edison and Electricité de France (EDF). His academic and research leadership spans energy system integration, hydrogen technologies, fuel cells, renewable energy communities, and industrial decarbonization. His research interests focus on fuel cell and hydrogen technology , energy system integration and modeling , industrial decarbonization , and renewable energy communities . He leads the M3ES research group and is deeply involved in both fundamental and applied research, with a strong emphasis on sustainable urban energy systems and clean energy transitions. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on hydrogen production and storage, fuel cell durability and performance, biogas and biomethane technologies, and the optimization of hybrid renewable energy systems. His work often combines experimental investigation with techno-economic and environmental assessment, particularly in off-grid and community-scale energy applications. Scientific Awards: Fulbright Grant awarded by United States Department of State - Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs/The US-Italy Fulbright Commission, United States (2010) Prof. Lanzini actively supervises numerous PhD students and leads a wide array of research projects, including major EU-funded initiatives such as HYWAY, NoMaH, TIPS4PED, and EDUPED, as well as numerous commercial research contracts with industry and municipalities. He is a key contributor to national and international efforts in energy transition, particularly through his work on Positive Energy Districts and renewable energy communities. His research has significant implications for energy policy, urban planning, and industrial sustainability. He is involved in several research groups and collaborative agreements, including the M3ES Research Group (DENERG) and partnerships with RSE SpA, Edison, EDF, and various public administrations. His work is central to the activities of the Energy Center Lab at Politecnico di Torino.
William W. Burke-White is Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School , where he is a leading scholar at the intersection of international law and international relations. He also serves as Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and Senior Advisor to White & Case LLP , bridging academic research with policy and legal practice. He previously held leadership roles as Inaugural Director of Perry World House (2014–2019) and Deputy Dean of Penn Law (2011–2014). Harvard University – A.B., J.D. University of Cambridge – Ph.D. in International Relations (Fulbright Scholar) Burke-White’s research focuses on global governance, multilateral institutions, U.S. foreign policy, human rights, and international economic law . His work examines how shifting power dynamics affect international legal structures and how sub-state actors influence global norms. He has significant regional expertise in Russia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America . His current book project explores the new geography of global governance . His recent scholarly output reveals a consistent trend toward analyzing institutional reform, legal pluralism, and the interplay between domestic and international law . He frequently publishes in top journals on topics such as investor-state arbitration, complementarity in international criminal law, and the legitimacy of global legal regimes. His work often combines doctrinal legal analysis with political science theory. A. Leo Levin Award (2008) Robert A. Gorman Award for Excellence in Teaching (2007) Burke-White has advised governments, law firms, and investment funds on sanctions, sovereign debt, and international litigation. He has served as an expert witness in international arbitrations and currently advises sovereign states on cases before the International Court of Justice . He is also active in media commentary, contributing to The Hill, CNN, The Atlantic , and others. He has taught as a visiting professor at institutions including Harvard Law, Hebrew University, and Moscow State Institute of International Relations .
Peter Alvaro is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Baskin School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz. He joined the faculty in 2015 after earning his PhD from UC Berkeley under Professor Joe Hellerstein. His research lies at the intersection of databases, distributed systems, and programming languages , with a strong emphasis on data-centric approaches to building robust, scalable, and predictable distributed systems. He is the creator of the Dedalus language and co-creator of the Bloom language, both designed to simplify reasoning about distributed computation. Peter's recent work focuses on non-volatile memory (NVM) , computational storage , and data-centric operating systems , as seen in the Twizzler OS project. His publications span top venues such as USENIX ATC, HotNets, and Communications of the ACM, showing trends toward system resilience, efficient data management, and novel abstractions for modern hardware. Best Presentation award at USENIX ATC 2020 Peter advises graduate students, including Daniel Bittman, and is a key contributor to the Storage Systems Research Center (SSRC), now succeeded by the Center for Research in Storage Systems (CRSS). His work is supported by ongoing collaborations with researchers at UC Santa Cruz and beyond, particularly in the areas of storage, operating systems, and distributed computing.
Jerome Busemeyer is a Distinguished Professor and Provost Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington, with a joint affiliation in the Cognitive Science Program. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, reflecting his significant contributions to the science of decision-making and cognitive modeling. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of South Carolina (1979), an M.A. from the same institution (1976), and a B.A. cum laude from the University of Cincinnati (1973). He completed postdoctoral training in Quantitative Methods at the University of Illinois in 1980. Busemeyer's research focuses on mathematical and computational models of human judgment and decision-making , with pioneering work in quantum cognition , dynamic models , and neural network modeling . He developed Decision Field Theory , a dynamic cognitive model of decision processes, and has led the application of quantum probability to explain cognitive 'errors' such as order effects and violations of rational decision rules. His recent publications reveal a consistent trend toward integrating quantum-theoretic frameworks with empirical decision research, exploring topics such as pricing behavior, confidence judgments, multi-attribute decisions, and medical decision-making. These works appear in top journals including Psychological Review , Trends in Cognitive Sciences , and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , indicating sustained high-impact contributions. Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor, Indiana University Provost Professor, Indiana University Busemeyer has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have become active collaborators and co-authors. His lab, the Judgment and Decision-Making Laboratory (Decision Research Laboratory), supports interdisciplinary research in cognitive science and receives ongoing funding for theoretical and experimental work. He has authored influential books, including Quantum Models of Cognition and Decision and Cognitive Modeling . The lab, located in Room A300G of the Psychology Building, fosters collaborative research on decision-making, quantum cognition, and computational modeling, with active projects involving fMRI, behavioral experiments, and theoretical development.
Dr. Sajjad Bigham is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University and serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Michigan Technological University. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida and directs the Energy-X Lab (Energy eXploration Laboratory), which focuses on high-impact research in energy science and technology. His research interests encompass: Advanced thermal management solutions including microscale heat transfer, boiling/condensation phenomena, and interfacial transport Energy-efficient systems for HVAC&R, desalination, and clean water production Development of micro/nano-engineered materials and devices for energy conversion/storage Sorption-based gas management and multiphase systems under extreme conditions Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on thermal management innovations (45%), sustainable energy systems (30%), and advanced materials applications (25%). Dominant themes include heat transfer enhancement techniques, energy-efficient appliance design, desalination technologies, and microscale phase-change phenomena, with increasing emphasis on additive manufacturing approaches. Dr. Bigham leads the Energy-X Lab research group, which tackles high-risk, high-reward problems across four thrust areas: Terrestrial and space life support systems Advanced thermal management Clean energy production Clean water supply The lab's mission is to improve energy efficiency, reliability, and economy across defense, environmental, and energy sectors.
Royce Novak is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Kenyon College, where he teaches courses on Southeast Asia and Vietnam. He holds a PhD and MA in Southeast Asian History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2022) and a dual BA and BS from Cornell University (2013). Prior to joining Kenyon, he taught at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. Education: Doctor of Philosophy in Southeast Asian History, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2022 Master of Arts in Southeast Asian History, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2022 Bachelor of Arts, Cornell University, 2013 Bachelor of Science, Cornell University, 2013 Royce Novak specializes in the environmental, legal, and social history of modern Southeast Asia, with a regional focus on Indonesia and Vietnam. His research investigates the history of prisons and prisoners during the colonial and Cold War periods, particularly analyzing prison islands as a distinct carceral form that shaped state-building and revolutionary movements. He also conducts pioneering research on the 'comfort women' system in Vietnam, exploring its historical obscurity, the absence of collective memory, and the intersection of gender, race, and empire under Japanese occupation. His recent publications span journals such as The Journal of Asian Studies , Journal of Vietnamese Studies , and Women's History Review . These works analyze the life of Vietnamese martyr Võ Thị Sáu through intertextual sources, uncover new archival evidence on Vietnam’s role in the comfort women system, and examine the political and social reasons behind the erasure of Vietnamese comfort women from historical memory. His scholarship reveals a strong methodological focus on rumor, narrative construction, and archival recovery in postcolonial contexts. Royce Novak actively engages in public scholarship, having contributed invited articles to BBC News Vietnam, particularly in a series commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. His work bridges academic research and public understanding, emphasizing the importance of diasporic voices and further archival inquiry. Advising and Grants: No formal students or advisees are listed in the available materials. No grants or funded research projects are explicitly mentioned. Labs and Research Teams: No dedicated research labs, centers, or collaborative teams are mentioned in the provided texts. However, his interdisciplinary approach suggests engagement with networks in Southeast Asian studies, carceral history, and gender-based violence research.
Professor Jeevan R. Sharma serves as Chair of South Asia and International Development and Co-director of the Centre of South Asian Studies at the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science. An elected General Secretary of the Britain Nepal Academic Council (BNAC), he brings extensive field research experience from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Malawi to his work in development and political anthropology. His current Wellcome Trust-funded transdisciplinary project examines health and well-being of South Asian migrant workers through collaboration with medical scientists and social anthropologists at Aga Khan University and Kathmandu Medical College. Sharma's research interests span labor migration, border-crossing, Maoist conflict, humanitarianism, human rights documentation, and health policy with particular focus on gender dynamics and social transformation. His fieldwork has investigated community health volunteers, maternal and child health, and international research collaboration in South Asia. He has previously worked at Feinstein International Centre at Tufts University (2009-2011) and Save the Children UK (2007-2009), bringing practical development experience to his academic work. His publication trends reveal consistent focus on migration, health policy, and political transformation in South Asia, with increasing attention to transnational health issues and pandemic impacts on vulnerable populations. Recent work examines Covid-19's effects on migrant workers, mental health policy in Nepal, and cross-cultural health measurement tools, demonstrating his commitment to bridging academic research with practical health interventions. Elected General Secretary of the Britain Nepal Academic Council (BNAC) Co-editor of HIMALAYA Journal (2019-2025), transitioning to Editor-at-large from January 2025 Associate Editor of 'South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies' Co-editor of Routledge Edinburgh South Asia Series Member of ESRC GAP panel C (2024-2025) Member of the commissioning panel for the ESRC Centres Competition 2018 Sharma has secured significant research funding including a Wellcome Trust grant for migrant worker health research, ESRC funding for projects examining low-income migrant workers' access to services in India, and NERC funding for flood resilience research in Nepal's Terai region. His collaborative approach is evident in projects involving multiple institutions across South Asia and the UK, with particular emphasis on transdisciplinary work that bridges social science and medical research. He has served as Principal Investigator on six completed projects and currently leads an active Wellcome Trust-funded initiative. As Co-director of the Centre for South Asian Studies in Edinburgh, Sharma contributes to one of the UK's leading institutions for South Asian research, fostering academic collaboration and knowledge exchange between scholars in the UK and South Asia. His work with the Britain Nepal Academic Council strengthens bilateral academic relations, while his editorial roles with HIMALAYA Journal and South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies position him at the forefront of scholarly discourse on the region.
Michael Rauhut is a Professor at the University of Agder where he leads the PhD specialization in popular music performance and represents subject teachers within scientific disciplines at the Department of Rhythmic Music . His academic work focuses on popular music studies and musicology, with supervisory responsibilities for master's and doctoral candidates. Rauhut's research explores the intersection of music, politics, and society, with particular emphasis on: Popular music history in socialist contexts (especially the GDR) Cultural transfer during the Cold War Blues, rock, and jazz as forms of cultural expression Youth cultures and music under authoritarian systems Church-state dynamics in musical expression His work demonstrates how music functioned as both state propaganda and vehicle for dissent. Analysis of Rauhut's publications reveals consistent focus on: Cultural mechanisms in socialist states (75% of recent works) Transnational music exchanges across the Iron Curtain Archival methodologies for reconstructing musical histories Identity formation through popular music State censorship and artistic resistance strategies His documentary filmography expands these themes into visual media. As PhD supervisor, Rauhut guides research in popular music performance and musicology. His extensive conference participation includes keynote addresses in Germany, USA, Georgia, and Ukraine, covering topics from blues reception to music's role in political revolutions.
