Find Academic Supervisors

Rajesh SharmaView profile

Associate Professor

• Dispute Resolution
• Investment Arbitration
• International Trade Law
• +6 more

Dr. Rajesh Sharma is an Associate Professor in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies (GUSS) at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. He specializes in Dispute Resolution, Investment Arbitration, and International Trade Law. His research focuses on arbitration laws in Asia, WTO-related issues, and mediation innovations. He holds a PhD in Law from China's Chinese University of Political Science and Law, complemented by degrees from Monash University and the University of Delhi. Dr. Sharma has advised governments and transnational companies on trade policies and has conducted trainings in over 20 countries. He is a winner of the ADR Teacher Award 2022 in Australia. His professional roles include: Associate Editor of the Manchester Journal of International Economic Law Editorial Board member of China and WTO Review and Asia-Pacific Mediation Journal Member of ICC Australia National Committee and Singapore Convention preparation He has designed unique moot competitions, including the Asia-Pacific Vis Pre Moot, promoting disability inclusion in legal advocacy. His current projects include a book comparing China-India investment laws and commentary on the Singapore Convention. Dr. Sharma's service engagements include roles as Panel Arbitrator for the Shanghai Arbitration Commission and leadership in organizations like the Hong Kong Basic Law Education Association.

Sheena GardnerView profile

Professor

• Applied Linguistics
• Corpus Linguistics
• Genre Analysis
• +3 more

Sheena Gardner is a Professor of Applied Linguistics at Coventry University, associated with the Research Centre for Arts, Memory and Communities. She previously held roles as Head of English and Languages at Coventry and as Reader in Educational Linguistics at the University of Birmingham. Her research focuses on genre analysis, corpus linguistics, educational linguistics, and systemic functional linguistics, with a particular emphasis on English for academic purposes and multilingual education contexts. She has extensive international experience in Malaysia, Botswana, Pakistan, and China, and has contributed over 70 publications in leading journals such as Applied Linguistics and TESOL Quarterly . Her work integrates teaching and research, exploring language use in diverse educational settings. Recent research includes analyzing language in pandemic communication, student writing practices, and stakeholder engagement in Pakistan. She actively collaborates internationally and has presented at numerous conferences. Gardner is committed to advancing pedagogical approaches that address linguistic diversity and improve academic writing instruction. She currently supervises PhD students and advocates for inclusive educational practices. Key areas of expertise include corpus-driven analysis of student feedback, cross-linguistic comparisons in academic writing, and the application of systemic functional linguistics to genre pedagogy. Her research often addresses issues of equity, such as attainment disparities in higher education and strategies for enhancing diversity in academic environments.

Asadul IslamView profile

Professor

• Development Economics
• Demography
• Early Childhood Education
• +9 more

Asadul Islam is a Professor at the Department of Economics at Monash University and serves as Director of the Centre for Development Economics and Sustainability (CDES). He is also a Chief Investigator for the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW) and holds an Adjunct Fellow position at BRAC International in Bangladesh. Professor Islam's research spans Development Economics and Demography, with specific focus on early childhood and primary education, health economics, gender studies, social networks, technology adoption, energy economics, microfinance, small and medium enterprises, and risk-sharing mechanisms. His work consistently connects academic research with real-world policy implications, particularly for developing countries. His recent publications reveal strong trends in field-based experimental research, particularly randomized controlled trials conducted across South and Southeast Asia. His work frequently addresses gender-related issues, educational interventions, health outcomes, and energy consumption patterns in developing contexts, with Bangladesh serving as a primary research location. The interdisciplinary nature of his work bridges economics, public health, and development studies. Outstanding AJAE Article Award (2023) Professor Islam has secured substantial research funding from major international organizations including the UK ESRC, Australian Research Council (ARC), International Growth Centre (IGC), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)/AusAID Australia, UK Foreign Aid (FCDO), World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and European Union. His research projects often involve multi-country collaborations across Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, China, Indonesia, Fiji, Vietnam, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Tanzania, and Cambodia. He actively supervises PhD students and engages with policymakers to translate research findings into practical development interventions. His leadership extends to directing the Centre for Development Economics and Sustainability, which serves as a hub for development-focused research, and his involvement in the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women demonstrates his commitment to addressing critical social issues through interdisciplinary research teams.

Juyan ZhangView profile

Professor

• Strategic Communication
• Public Diplomacy
• Interfaith Dialogue
• +7 more

Juyan Zhang is a Professor of Communication at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and a Contributing Scholar for the USC Center on Public Diplomacy. His research focuses on strategic communication , public diplomacy , interfaith dialogue , religious tourism , and Buddhist studies . Ph.D. in Strategic Communication, University of Missouri-Columbia (2003) M.A. in International Relations, Peking University (1997) B.A. in International Studies, Renmin University of China (1994) Zhang’s work bridges theoretical and applied communication, examining how nations use symbolic interactions (e.g., metaphors, narratives) to manage reputations and foster cross-cultural understanding. His publications explore topics like Buddhist diplomacy , gastrodiplomacy , and the rhetoric of soft power . Recent research trends include analyzing interfaith dialogue mechanisms , strategic communication in Sino-Vatican relations , and religious tourism branding (e.g., Nepal, Pakistan). He also investigates digital diplomacy through social media platforms. Zhang has authored monographs on Buddhist diplomacy and contributed to journals like Journal of International Communication and Canadian Journal of Buddhist Studies . His teaching areas include Language and Communication Theory , Public Relations , and International Communication .

• South Asian Studies
• Political and Military Affairs
• Counterinsurgency
• +7 more

Dr. C. Christine Fair is a Professor in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service. Her expertise spans political and military affairs in South Asia, with a focus on Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. She previously held roles at the RAND Corporation, UNAMA, and USIP, and has been a Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellow. Her research addresses militant groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, counterinsurgency strategies, and South Asian geopolitical dynamics. Education: PhD and MA from the University of Chicago’s Department of South Asian Languages and Civilization, and a BS from the same university. She speaks Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi fluently. Research Interests: Dr. Fair examines South Asian security challenges, including Pakistan’s military strategies, Islamist terrorism, and ethnic conflicts. Her work combines qualitative and quantitative methods, analyzing texts and public opinion data to understand militant recruitment and state responses to extremism. Key Publications: Includes Fighting to the End: The Pakistan Army’s Way of War (Oxford UP), In Their Own Words: Understanding Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (Oxford UP), and numerous articles on nuclear policy, Balochistan separatism, and Hindu nationalism’s political impact. Awards: She holds the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowship (2017) and has contributed to policy debates via media outlets like the BBC, CNN, and Foreign Affairs . Labs/Teams: Active in Georgetown’s Security Studies Program, collaborating with scholars on South Asia’s military, political, and societal challenges.

• Archaeology of the Indus Civilization
• Origins of Technology
• Craft Specialization
• +8 more

J. Mark Kenoyer is the George F. Dales Jr. and Barbara A. Dales Professor of Anthropology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, serving as Associate Chair and Undergraduate Advisor. He joined the faculty in 1985 and holds affiliations with the Department of Languages and Cultures of Asia. His research focuses on the archaeology of the Indus Civilization, ancient technology, and socio-political organization in South Asia and beyond. Dr. Kenoyer earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley (1983). He has conducted extensive fieldwork since 1975, including excavations at Harappa, Pakistan, and ethnoarchaeological studies in India, China, and Oman. His work emphasizes craft specialization, trade networks, and the origins of urbanism, leveraging experimental archaeology and archaeometric techniques. Key areas of research include ancient technologies (textiles, metallurgy), Indus iconography, and trans-regional connections between South Asia and Mesopotamia. His contributions include co-editing From Sumer to Meluhha (1994) and curating major exhibitions like Ancient Cities of the Indus Valley Civilization (1998–99). He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2011. Teaching spans courses on archaeology, ancient technology, and prehistoric principles. His publications explore Indus trade, burial traditions, and the role of artifacts in reconstructing socio-economic systems. Current projects continue to unravel the mysteries of early urbanization and cultural exchange in ancient Asia.

• International Business
• Cross-Cultural Management
• Globalization
• +3 more

Professor You-il Lee is a distinguished academic serving as Dean of Programs (Management & Marketing) at the UniSA Business School, University of South Australia. His research focuses on cross-cultural management, globalization, and regional economic development, particularly in Northeast Asia. He has authored influential works on the One Belt One Road initiative, including analyses of cross-cultural challenges in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). His research also examines the Korean economy's evolution, economic nationalism, and the impact of cultural dimensions on business practices in East Asia. Lee holds a robust publication record spanning over two decades, contributing to international business review, political economy studies, and cross-cultural network dynamics. Education background not explicitly stated, but expertise is evident through extensive research output. His research interests emphasize cultural adaptation in multinational projects, FDI policy frameworks, and the interplay between economic globalization and national identity. Recent work critiques socio-cultural barriers in transnational infrastructure projects and proposes strategies for effective cross-cultural mentoring and network-building. Lee’s collaborative efforts with institutions like Georgia State University highlight his international academic engagement. He is available for media commentary and supervises research degrees in areas related to global business strategies and cultural management.

Rita Dal MartelloView profile

Researcher

• Archaeobotany
• Archaeology of East and Southeast Asia
• Agricultural Origins and Dispersal
• +7 more

Rita Dal Martello is a Researcher in History of Art and Chinese Archaeology at the Department of Asian and North African Studies, Ca' Foscari University of Venice. She specializes in archaeobotany, analyzing plant remains to reconstruct ancient agricultural systems across East Asia and Central Asia. Her work integrates interdisciplinary methods to explore crop domestication, dispersal routes, and culinary traditions in ecological frontier zones. PhD in Archaeology, University College London (2015–2020) MA in Chinese Neolithic Archaeology, Peking University (2012–2015) BA in Languages, Cultures and Societies of East Asia, Ca' Foscari University (2009–2012) Her research centers on the development of early agricultural societies from the Neolithic to the early historical period. She investigates the domestication and dispersal of key crops such as cereals, Prunus fruits, and Cannabis across Eurasia, using archaeobotanical data to trace ancient trade and cultural exchange routes. She is particularly interested in how agricultural innovations shaped local culinary identities in frontier regions like Yunnan and the Swat Valley. Her recent publications (2018–2025) reveal a strong focus on morphometric analysis of cereal grains, multi-cropping systems in Southwest China, and the role of Xinjiang as a diffusion corridor. These works are published in high-impact journals such as Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society , Nature Communications , and Vegetation History and Archaeobotany , reflecting a consistent contribution to archaeobotanical science and Eurasian agricultural history. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: No specific awards listed in the provided text. Rita Dal Martello has been actively involved in advising and international research projects. She served as co-PI of the PARIS project on Prunus domestication and contributed to ERC-funded projects such as FEDD and ComPag. She has also participated in fieldwork in Pakistan (MAIP), Turkmenistan (TAP), and Kenya (Kakapel), demonstrating extensive collaboration with global research teams. She has not supervised any named students in the provided text. Labs and Research Teams: Domestication and Anthropogenic Evolution (DAE) group, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology ERC-funded FEDD project (Fruits of Eurasia: Domestication and Dispersal) ERC ComPag project (Comparative Pathways to Agriculture), UCL Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan (MAIP) Barikot and Togolok Archaeological Projects

• Global Citizenship Education
• Development Education
• Global Learning
• +5 more

Dr Clare Bentall is an Associate Professor at University College London's Institute of Education (IOE), within the Department of Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment. With over 25 years of experience in educator training across UK and international contexts, she currently serves as co-Academic Head of Learning and Teaching for her department (2023-present). Her work spans development education, global learning, and professional development of educators in higher and professional education settings, with significant contributions to UCL's sustainability initiatives through SDG-focused teaching frameworks. Clare holds a PhD in Education from the Institute of Education (2003) and is fluent in German with conversational Indonesian proficiency. Her research centers on global citizenship education, development education, and the pedagogical training of educators, particularly examining blended learning models in police education, third-sector CPD provision, and international volunteering impacts. Recent publications demonstrate strong interdisciplinary connections between educational technology, social justice, and professional development across diverse sectors. As Editor of the International Journal of Development Education and Global Learning and Series Editor for Advances in Global Citizenship Education Policy and Practice , she has shaped scholarly discourse in the field. Her 2022 recognition as a UKCGE Recognised Research Supervisor underscores her supervisory excellence. Clare actively collaborates with international partners across Pakistan, China, Slovenia, and Poland, notably leading a European-funded program (2018-2022) to enhance Polish university lecturers' teaching capabilities. Her leadership extends to directing UCL's Global Citizenship Programme (2017-2020), co-leading the Development Education Research Centre, and serving on UCL's sustainability steering groups. Current projects include police education research on blended learning effectiveness and advancing global learning frameworks within UK further education colleges.

Jon MasonView profile

Associate Professor

• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Literacy
• Open Educational Practices
• +8 more

Dr. Jon Mason is an Associate Professor in Education (e-Learning) at Charles Darwin University (CDU), part of the Faculty of Arts & Society. He holds adjunct roles at East China Normal University and Korea National Open University. His expertise spans digital technology in education, inquiry-based learning, and open educational practices. He chairs ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC36 and contributes to global educational standards. Education: PhD in Digital Learning (Queensland University of Technology), Master of Knowledge Management (University of Canberra), and Master of Arts (Cognitive Science) (University of Melbourne). Research interests include AI in education, data literacy, open educational resources, and the interplay of inquiry and wisdom. His work addresses global competency frameworks, international standardization, and challenges in digital learning environments. Notable awards: 2021 UNESCO OER Implementation Award, APSCE Early Career Researcher Award. He leads projects like 'Open microlearning in higher education' and 'Digital education for underprivileged Pakistan children'. Labs/Teams: NT Academic Centre for Cyber Security and Innovation (CDU), Asia Pacific Society for Computers in Education (APSCE).

Muhammad AliView profile

Lecturer

• Pashto Language and Literature
• Iranian Languages and Cultures
• Central Asian Studies
• +4 more

Muhammad Ali is a Postdoctoral Researcher under the ANR PLIC/INaLCO project (2024–2025) and has served as a Research Associate/Lecturer at the Area Study Center (Russia, China & Central Asia) at the University of Peshawar since 2018. He specializes in Pashto language and literature, with broader expertise in Iranian languages, Central Asian societies, and cultural studies. Education: PhD (2017) and M.Phil (2011) in Pakistani Languages & Literature (Pashto specialization) from Allama Iqbal Open University; studied at Humboldt University, Berlin. MA in Pashto (2009), MA in English (2007), BA (2004) from University of Malakand. His research focuses on Pashto linguistics and literature, intercultural exchanges in the Near East, and digital humanities projects like Perspred for Iranian language resources. He has contributed to initiatives such as EpiPOM on medieval Islamic architecture and TransPerse on 5th-century Persian martyrs' narratives. Professional roles include teaching Pashto language, literature, and linguistics at Higher Education Department (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, 2010–2018) and serving as a Tutor at Allama Iqbal Open University for courses on Pakistani languages and textbook development.

• Governance and Reforms
• Management Accounting
• Financial Accounting
• +3 more

Imtiaz Badshah is an Associate Professor at the Department of Economics, Innovation and Society, Østfold University College (HiØ), Norway. He previously served as an Assistant Professor at NUST Business School (Pakistan) and held visiting roles at institutions like the University of South-Eastern Norway and Quaid-i-Azam University. His academic journey includes a PhD in Accounting from Nord University (Norway), an MPhil in Public Administration from the University of Bergen, and a master’s in Public Administration from Quaid-i-Azam University. His research focuses on governance reforms, management accounting, financial markets, and public sector dynamics, with notable work on Pakistan’s civil service reforms and financial reporting practices. He has contributed to over 20 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings, addressing topics like risk management in emerging markets, Islamic finance, and institutional investment behavior. Badshah has held administrative roles, including Program Coordinator for Business Analysis and PhD Coordinator at NUST. His collaborations span institutions in Norway, China, UAE, and Pakistan. He has presented at international conferences such as the European Business and Economics Society (EBES) and co-organized initiatives like the Scandinavian Management and Emerging Economies (SMALE) project. His teaching spans courses in international finance, corporate finance, and accounting, using core textbooks by authors like Berk, DeMarzo, and Mishkin. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in emerging economies, emphasizing policy implications for governance and financial systems.

Filippo MengaView profile

Associate Professor

• Hydropolitics
• Political Ecology
• Geography
• +7 more

Filippo Menga is Associate Professor of Geography at the University of Bergamo, Italy, with a strong international academic presence, including a current role as Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Reading, UK. He teaches in the Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures, offering graduate courses on environment, tourism, and intercultural geography. Since 2024, he has served as Editor-in-Chief of the leading journal Political Geography . University: University of Bergamo Department: Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures Academic Rank: Associate Professor Email: filippo.menga@unibg.it His research lies at the intersection of geography, political ecology, and hydropolitics, focusing on transboundary water conflicts, the geopolitics of dams, and the socio-environmental impacts of water infrastructure. He has conducted extensive work on Central Asia and South Asia, particularly India-Bangladesh and Indus Basin dynamics. Recently, his work has expanded to include the political ecology of artificial intelligence and the materiality of water. The thematic trends in his recent publications (2025) emphasize the urgent global water crisis, the limitations of international water law, the role of AI in urban metabolism, and the need for pluralistic understandings of water’s agency. His work bridges theoretical depth with policy relevance, addressing climate change, environmental justice, and governance failures. Scientific Leadership and Editorial Role: Editor-in-Chief, Political Geography (2024–present) Funded Research Projects: Strengthening Higher Education in the Water Sector for Climate Resilience and Security in Central Asia (Erasmus+, Scientific Director, 2023–2026) Water Decision Making tools for informed hydro politics in Italy (Horizon Europe CTC, Scientific Director, 2023–2025) He advises graduate students and contributes to public discourse through interviews and commentary in media outlets such as Renewable Matter. He is involved in academic mentorship and public engagement on water issues, with no indication of retirement or part-time status. Laboratories and Research Teams: While specific lab names are not mentioned, Menga leads research initiatives under Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, suggesting leadership in collaborative, interdisciplinary research teams focused on water governance, climate resilience, and policy innovation. His affiliations with the University of Bergamo and University of Reading indicate participation in broader research networks in political geography and environmental studies.

Till MostowlanskyView profile

Research Professor

• Urban Studies
• Borders and Mobility
• Development and Aid Policies
• +8 more

Till Mostowlansky is a Research Professor and Eccellenza Professorial Fellow in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at The Graduate Institute Geneva. He also holds a position as Professor of Urban Studies at the Kyiv School of Economics. He completed his PhD at the University of Bern and earned a Habilitation in social and cultural anthropology from the University of Fribourg. His research focuses on infrastructure, humanitarianism, development, and their intersections with religion and mobility in Central and South Asia. Key projects include leading the Swiss National Science Foundation-funded project "Quiet Aid: Service and Salvation in the Balkans-to-Bengal-Complex" and co-editing Infrastructure and the Remaking of Asia . He has held prior positions at the University of Hong Kong, National University of Singapore, and others. Research expertise includes urban/rural dynamics, border studies, refugee diasporas, postcolonial development, and the history of science. Geographically, he specializes in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. His work often explores how infrastructure and humanitarian practices shape marginalized border regions. Major publications include Azan on the Moon (2017), which examines Tajikistan’s Pamir Highway, and co-edited volumes on Asian infrastructure and Muslim humanitarianism. He has contributed to over 20 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters analyzing topics like Shia charity networks, Belt and Road impacts, and Muslim humanitarianism’s global dimensions. Grants and fellowships include Swiss National Science Foundation awards, ERC projects on China-Law Development, and collaborations with organizations like Allegra Lab’s MUHUM initiative. His fieldwork spans Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Europe.

Henri RueffView profile

Researcher

• Environmental Economics in drylands
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Agricultural economics
• +7 more

Henri Rueff is a Researcher at the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) of the University of Bern. He specializes in dryland sustainability , focusing on environmental economics, climate adaptation, and transformative land management systems. Projects: ASSET-FFEM, GEO 7 Field Experience: Algeria, China, Israel, Laos, Mongolia, Morocco, Myanmar, Palestine, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand Languages: French, English, German, Spanish, Arabic, Hebrew His research spans ecosystem services , pastoral systems , and dryland afforestation , with a strong emphasis on sustainable development in resource-scarce regions. Scientific Awards: Ex-fellow, Royal Geographical Society He serves as a reviewer for UK research schemes and holds affiliations with SDC Climate Change Network, IUCN, and DesertNet International.