Find Academic Supervisors

Sheldon LuView profile

Professor

• Comparative Literature
• Film Studies
• Visual Culture
• +4 more

Sheldon Lu is a Distinguished Professor of Comparative Literature at the University of California, Davis. He holds affiliations with East Asian Studies, Performance Studies, Cultural Studies, Film and Media Studies, Critical Theory, and Environmental Humanities. His academic career includes roles as Chair of the Department of Comparative Literature, Director of the Graduate Program in Comparative Literature, and Founding Co-Director of the Film Studies Program. Lu has taught at institutions including the University of Pittsburgh and Beijing Normal University, and served as a Fulbright scholar in Ukraine (2004-2005). Education: B.A. (1984) and Ph.D. (1990) in Comparative Literature from Indiana University and University of Wisconsin-Madison, respectively. His research bridges literary studies, visual culture, film, and China studies. Key publications include Contemporary Chinese Cinema and Visual Culture (2021, BAFTSS Honorable Mention) and Chinese Modernity and Global Biopolitics (2007). He edited the Critical Interventions book series (2009-2019). Lu's work has appeared in journals like New Literary History , Journal of World Literature , and Cinema Journal . Awards include the 2005 Choice Award for Chinese-Language Film: Historiography, Poetics, Politics . He has organized special journal issues on topics ranging from ecocinema to transnational Chinese cinemas. Teaching focuses on Asian literature, film studies, critical theory, and urban culture. Notable courses include World Cinema and East-West Literary Relations .

Rossella FerrariView profile

Professor

• Performance Studies
• Theatre Studies
• Avant-Garde Theater
• +6 more

Prof. Rossella Ferrari holds a professorship in Chinese Studies at the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Vienna. Her research explores performance cultures across the Chinese-speaking world, with a focus on avant-garde theatre, transnational networks, and postsocialist transformations. Key contributions include the concept of 'pop avant-garde' and 'Xiqu 2.0,' examining how classical performance interacts with digital media. She co-edited Asian City Crossings (2021) and authored Transnational Chinese Theatres (2020). Current projects investigate 'performing postsocialism' and intercultural collaborations. Her work bridges disciplines like architecture, visual arts, and film, emphasizing methodologies rooted in Asian perspectives to challenge Eurocentric paradigms. Recent studies analyze pandemic impacts on transnational theatre networks and the role of cities as analytical frameworks. Collaborations with groups like Hong Kong's Zuni Icosahedron highlight her focus on boundary-crossing performance practices. Publications span monographs, edited volumes, and peer-reviewed articles addressing topics such as Brechtian influences in China, intertextuality in global performance, and avant-garde adaptations of classical works like Mudan Ting . Her research underscores the socio-political dimensions of artistic expression in East Asia, particularly in contested historical contexts.

• Music Theory
• Composition
• Estonian Music History
• +3 more

Kerri Kotta is a Professor of Music Theory and Head of Musicology at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. She holds a PhD in Musicology (2004) and an MA in Composition (1997) from the same institution. Her research focuses on music theory, tonal analysis, Estonian music history, and contemporary composition, with special expertise in the works of Eduard Tubin and Dmitri Shostakovich. She coordinates the International Eduard Tubin Society and edits the composer's complete works. Her research interests span music theory , compositional techniques , Estonian cultural heritage , and interdisciplinary performance studies . Recent publications explore modernism in Estonian art music, Beethoven's structural rhetoric, and socio-psychological dimensions of contemporary opera. Kotta received the Reet Neimar Criticism Award (2023) for her contributions to music scholarship. She leads the project How to share the ardor? Conveying complex musical structures through animated scores (2024-2025), funded by the Estonian Ministry of Culture. Administratively, she chairs the Estonian Musicological Society (2013–present) and the International Eduard Tubin Society (2015–present), while serving on the board of the Estonian Composers Union (2022–present).

Paize KeulemansView profile

Associate Professor

• Chinese Literature
• Oral Literature
• Written Literature
• +7 more

Paize Keulemans is an Associate Professor of Chinese Literature at Princeton University's Department of East Asian Studies. His research focuses on the interplay between oral and written literary traditions in Chinese literature, particularly exploring acoustic dimensions in 19th-century martial arts fiction and the role of gossip and rumor in 17th-century texts. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago (2004) and a B.A. from Leiden University (Netherlands). His work bridges literary analysis with cultural studies, examining topics like Dutch-Chinese interactions since the 17th century and the adaptation of classical texts like The Three Kingdoms into modern media such as video games. Education: Ph.D. in East Asian Languages and Literatures, University of Chicago B.A. in Chinese Language and Literature, Leiden University Research Interests: Acoustic imagination in printed novels Rumor dynamics in late-Ming literature Cultural exchanges between the Netherlands and China Modern adaptations of classical Chinese narratives Publications highlight his exploration of Ming-Qing transition narratives through Dutch tragic plays and the sonic dimensions of martial arts fiction. Current projects include analyzing video game adaptations of classical texts and the role of 'idleness' in literary production.

Christopher CastroView profile

Assistant Professor

• Music Composition
• Music Theory
• Western Art Music
• +3 more

Christopher Castro serves as an Assistant Professor of Composition at Chapman University's College of Performing Arts. A composer and double bassist from Brooklyn, New York, he combines academic rigor with avant-garde experimentation. Ph.D. in Composition and Theory from University of California, Davis Bachelor of Music from Juilliard School (Double Bass & Composition) His research bridges Western Art Music traditions with contemporary innovations , creating works that merge: Johannes Ockeghem's polyphonic complexity John Coltrane's spiritual intensity Modernist structural experimentation Historical reconstruction techniques Jazz-classical hybrid forms Interdisciplinary performance formats Recent compositions demonstrate trends in flexible instrumentation , text-music relationships , and genre synthesis . His output spans chamber works, orchestral pieces, and vocal compositions with equal mastery. Scientific recognition includes: 2023 Fromm Music Foundation Commission (Harvard University) Chamber Music America's 2021 Classical Commissioning Award As a new music advocate , Castro collaborates with ensembles like: Left Coast Chamber Ensemble (artistic advisory board) New Mexico Contemporary Ensemble Los Angeles Philharmonic's Upbeat Live series Lyris Quartet and Sharon Harms

Claudia LehmannView profile

Professor

• Film Art
• Visual Communication
• Video Installation
• +7 more

Claudia Lehmann is a University Professor of Film Art & Visual Communication at the Institute for Open Arts, Department of Scenography at Mozarteum University Salzburg. She has been a professor at Mozarteum University since 2019 and previously served as a visiting professor at the Berlin Weissensee Art Academy. As a faculty member, she contributes to the Institute management, teaches as a Teacher, and serves on the Curricular Commission. Dr. Lehmann holds a doctorate in physics (Dr. rer. nat.) with her dissertation "GAUGE COVARIANT MULTISCALE ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS" published through DESY-Publications in 2004. Her academic journey reflects a unique interdisciplinary trajectory from scientific research to artistic practice. Claudia Lehmann's research interests center around the intersection of art and science, with particular focus on perception, reality, and systemic phenomena. Her work spans documentaries, feature films, music videos, art videos, installations, and performances, constantly searching for new forms and formats. She develops visual concepts, video stage sets, and unique live video performances, often in collaboration with Nicolas Stemann. Through her work, she explores diverse possibilities for new structures, especially in the form of artistic collaboration. Her recent artistic output shows a consistent trend toward interdisciplinary work that blends theater, film, and digital media. Lehmann frequently collaborates with Nicolas Stemann and Konrad Hempel, creating innovative performances that integrate video technology with traditional stagecraft. Her work often addresses social and political themes while experimenting with form and presentation. The Institute for Experimental Affairs (IXA), which she co-founded with Konrad Hempel, serves as a platform for exploring the interfaces between science and art through various projects and research initiatives. Dr. Lehmann has received several prestigious awards for her work: Samsung Smartfilm Award 2013 Shocking Shorts Award 2007 Nomination for German Documentary Film Music Prize 2013 Nomination for Studio Hamburg Young Talent Prize for Best Screenplay As an educator and researcher, Lehmann has developed numerous collaborative projects and performances that have been featured at major international festivals including the Berlin International Film Festival, Leipzig Documentary Film Festival, and various theater festivals. Her work with IXA represents a significant research initiative at the intersection of science and art. Lehmann co-founded the Institute for Experimental Affairs (IXA) with visual artist and composer Konrad Hempel. Through IXA, she conducts research and realizes projects at the interfaces between science and art. Her collaborative work spans theater productions, film projects, and interactive installations that have been presented at venues including the Schauspielhaus Zürich, Münchner Kammerspiele, Opéra Comique Paris, and various international festivals.

Sylwia Janiak-KobylińskaView profile

Researcher

• Orchestral Conducting
• Music Theory
• Artistic Education
• +3 more

Sylwia Janiak-Kobylińska is a Polish conductor, educator, and artistic leader currently serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Conducting, Composition, and Music Theory at the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk. She is President of the SAJ Foundation Supporting Young Artists, founder of the Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra of the Youth, and an active participant in international music competitions and festivals. Her work spans symphonic and opera conducting, artistic direction of multidisciplinary projects, and pedagogical leadership. Her research interests focus on Orchestral Conducting Contemporary Music Interpretation Artistic Education for Youth Symphonic and Opera Collaboration Cultural Management in Music Interdisciplinary Art Projects Her recent artistic projects, such as the inUnity. Contemporary Music from Gdańsk album and the Homage to Szymborska concert series, highlight collaborations between classical and jazz composers, youth orchestras, and interdisciplinary teams. These works emphasize themes of unity, cultural heritage, and innovation in music education. Scientific awards and recognitions include Meritorious for Polish Culture badge (2023) Antoni Wit Award at the G. Fitelberg Conducting Competition Multiple Rector’s Awards at the Academy of Music in Gdańsk Pomeranian Artistic Award in 'Artistic Hope' category As an educator, she leads orchestral workshops, mentors students across multiple faculties, and pioneered the 4C’s in Music Art program (Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Communication). Her leadership in the SAJ Foundation and Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra of the Youth has fostered over 1000 young musicians since 2011.

• Vocal Music
• Opera
• Chamber Music
• +3 more

Dr. hab. Eugenia Rozlach is a Professor at the Department of Vocal Studies, Faculty of Vocal and Acting, Fryderyk Chopin University of Music. A renowned opera singer, she specializes in Rossini’s music and 19th–20th-century Polish vocal lyrics, with a career spanning performances at the Warsaw Chamber Opera and international theaters (Paris, Madrid, Montpellier). Her recent roles include the Nanny in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin , Stara Buryjowska in Janacek’s Jenufa , and Mrs. Quickly in Verdi’s Falstaff . Graduate: Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music, Warsaw Rozlach actively contributes to academic research on Polish vocal music, conducting workshops like On the Wings of Songs and organizing conferences such as the International Scientific Conference Polish Song . She has premiered contemporary works, including Marta Ptaszyńska’s Sonnets to Orpheus and Aleksandra Garbal’s opera Polonica rustica . Her chamber music collaborations include performances with pianists Tatiana Szebanowa, Maciej Paderewski, and Jerzy Godziszewski. Scientific Awards: Silver Cross of Merit (2005) Second-degree Rector’s award (2009) Rozlach has led masterclasses at the Chopin-Górecki Festival and the Keimyung-Fryderyk Chopin University of Music program (South Korea). She contributed to the UMFC research committee’s commemorative edition of Ignacy Jan Paderewski’s manuscripts and serves on the editorial team of Musica Intellectualis .

Dmitri TymoczkoView profile

Professor

• Composition
• Music Theory
• Geometry of Music
• +5 more

Dmitri Tymoczko is a Professor of Music at Princeton University, where he has taught composition and theory since 2002. His work bridges the gap between academic music theory and contemporary composition, creating a unique interdisciplinary approach that has earned him recognition as a leading figure in modern music scholarship and creation. Tymoczko's research interests focus on the geometric modeling of musical structures, polystylistic composition that draws from genres spanning Renaissance to rock, and the mathematical foundations of tonality. His theoretical work explores how harmonic structures can be represented geometrically, revealing fundamental patterns that connect diverse musical traditions. He approaches composition as 'a logical deduction from absurd premises,' blending rigorous structural thinking with playful musical exploration. His scholarly publications and compositions reveal a consistent interest in the intersection of mathematical precision and expressive freedom. The articles demonstrate expertise across music theory, composition, and the cognitive aspects of musical perception, with recurring themes of geometric modeling, tonal structure, and genre hybridization. His work often challenges traditional boundaries between academic and popular music forms. Guggenheim fellowship Rhodes Scholarship Leonard Bernstein fellowship from Tanglewood Fellowship from the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study Block lectureship from the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics First music-theory article published in Science magazine Tymoczko maintains an active performance career alongside his academic work, with his compositions performed by leading ensembles including the Brentano Quartet, Newspeak, and Roomful of Teeth. His teaching integrates theoretical insights with practical composition, fostering a generation of musicians who understand music's structural foundations while embracing creative freedom. He has developed innovative tools like the musical programming language 'arca' to explore new compositional possibilities.

Keith ObadikeView profile

Professor

• Sound Art
• Digital Media
• Interdisciplinary Art
• +12 more

Keith Obadike is a Professor in the Department of Art at Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), where he also serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies. He is an acclaimed interdisciplinary artist and composer, known for his collaborative work with Mendi Obadike, which spans sound art, digital media, public installations, performance, and internet-based projects. His artistic and academic work critically engages with technology, race, history, and identity. Obadike earned a B.A. in Visual Art from North Carolina Central University and an M.F.A. in Sound Design from Yale University. Prior to joining Cornell, he taught at William Paterson University and held visiting positions at Princeton University, Columbia University, Northwestern University, and the Art Institute of Chicago. His research and creative practice focus on sound art, digital media, public art, performance, and collaborative practice , with strong interdisciplinary connections to Afrofuturism, data sonification, and social justice. He explores how sound and technology mediate racial identity, memory, and liberation, notably through the concept of acousmatic blackness , which he and Mendi developed to describe the racial perception of sound when its source is unseen. Obadike’s selected works include large-scale public sound installations such as Blues Speaker (for James Baldwin) , Free/Phase , Compass Song (Times Square Arts), and GuideStar (Space Needle, Seattle). His projects often use data sonification, archival research, and mythic storytelling, blending historical inquiry with futuristic vision. Notable series include the Opera-Masquerades , Americana Suites , and Numbers Station works, which transform databases of violence into sonic experiences. His honors include: Rockefeller New Media Arts Fellowship (2004) Louis Comfort Tiffany Biennial Award (2015) New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in Fiction New Music USA Creator Development Fund (2022) Obadike has received commissions and support from institutions such as the Vera List Center, Harlem Stage, Times Square Arts, the American Composers Orchestra, and the Cornell Mui Ho Center for Cities. He has exhibited and performed at The New Museum, The Whitney Museum of American Art, MoMA, and The Studio Museum in Harlem. His writings and publications include contributions to Studies into Darkness (2022), and artist books such as Four Electric Ghosts and Big House / Disclosure (both 2014). He has also released albums like Crosstalk (2008) and created internet artworks such as Blackness for Sale (2001) and The Interaction of Coloreds (2002), which are foundational in new media and critical race art. While specific advisees are not listed, his role as Director of Undergraduate Studies and Professor indicates active mentorship. His work is deeply collaborative, often co-created with Mendi Obadike, and supported by interdisciplinary teams and institutions.

John SevernView profile

Research Fellow

• Theatre Studies
• Opera
• Shakespeare
• +4 more

Dr. John Severn is a Research Fellow at Macquarie University's Department of International Studies: Languages and Cultures. His career spans academia, law, and translation, with a focus on theatre internationalization, Shakespearean adaptation, and community engagement. Education: PhD in Theatre Studies and English, University of New South Wales MA(Hons) in Shakespeare and Theatre, University of Birmingham LLB(Hons) in Law and French, University of Edinburgh Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, University of Edinburgh BA(Hons) in Theatre Studies and Opera Studies, University of Manchester/Rose Bruford College CertHE in Scottish Gaelic language and culture, University of the Highlands and Islands His research explores theatre and internationalization through opera, musicals, and Shakespearean adaptation. He investigates how performing arts foster inclusive/exclusive communities and addresses barriers to participation. His work intersects European cultural history, arts policy, and transnational practices. Recent publications highlight trends in Shakespearean operatic adaptation, Australian theatre censorship, and decolonial processes in performance. His co-edited works include The Routledge Companion to Theatre and Internationalization and Theatre and Internationalization: Perspectives from Australia, Germany, and Beyond . Dr. Severn collaborates with institutions like the University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, and the Goethe-Institut Australia. He founded the research cluster 'Staging Migration in Berlin' and co-organizes international conferences on theatre internationalization.

Nicola JürgensenView profile

Professor

• Clarinet Performance
• Chamber Music
• Orchestral Performance
• +5 more

Prof. Nicola Jürgensen is a distinguished German clarinetist and Professor of Clarinet at Faculty 1 of Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany. She also serves as Dean of Faculty 1 and is a Confidential Lecturer for the German Academic Scholarship Foundation. Her career seamlessly integrates performance, education, and artistic leadership. She is the Artistic Director of WDR 3 Campus Concerts and a board member of the Folkwang University Foundation. Professor of Clarinet, Folkwang University of the Arts (2018–present) Dean, Faculty 1 Artistic Director, WDR 3 Campus Concerts Board of Directors, Folkwang University Foundation Principal Clarinet (former), WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne (2001–2018) Regular coach, German National Youth Orchestra (2020–present) Nicola Jürgensen's research and artistic interests center on clarinet performance, chamber music, and contemporary repertoire. She is deeply committed to historical performance practice, evidenced by her recordings on basset clarinet, and to expanding the global reach of classical music through international masterclasses and festivals. Her work bridges traditional European repertoire and modern experimental works, including performances in avant-garde operatic productions. She has collaborated with leading orchestras and ensembles worldwide, from Berlin and Leipzig to New York, Bangkok, and Auckland. Her recent artistic output reveals a strong focus on rediscovered works (e.g., Wilms' concerto), contemporary compositions (e.g., Kancheli, Zwilich), and cross-cultural collaborations (e.g., German Masters Music Festival in Thailand). She emphasizes pedagogical innovation and performance excellence, mentoring students who now hold principal roles in Germany’s top orchestras. Her recordings and performances consistently highlight expressive depth, technical mastery, and scholarly engagement with historical instruments and arrangements. Scientific and Artistic Awards: Mozart Prize, Wiesbaden Mozart Society German Music Competition Soloists' Prize (1999) Germany Radio Promotion Prize (2002) Nicola Jürgensen has been instrumental in guiding numerous students into prestigious orchestral positions and leads the ensemble 'Folkwang Clarinets' with her students. She holds multiple leadership roles in academic and artistic institutions and continues to perform as a guest principal clarinetist with major orchestras like the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra. Her involvement in grants and funding appears indirect through institutional roles and festival organization. She is actively involved with several artistic initiatives, including the 'Spannungen' festival, WDR 3 Campus Concerts, and international masterclass programs. Her ensemble collaborations and educational outreach reflect a sustained commitment to excellence, innovation, and accessibility in classical music.

Wesley BradfordView profile

Assistant Professor

• Music Theory
• Musical Narrative
• Video Game Music
• +3 more

Wesley Bradford serves as Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for Music Theory at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's School of Music and Performing Arts, teaching courses from freshman theory to graduate composition since joining the faculty in 2016. His international engagement includes study abroad courses in London and presentations at conferences like the North American Conference on Video Game Music. Dr. Bradford's educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Music Theory from Louisiana State University (2016) M.M. in Music Theory from the University of Oklahoma (2013) B.A. in Music Composition from Austin Peay State University (2010) His research centers on musical meaning through narrative and semiotic frameworks, with concentrated exploration of video game music. Recent projects analyze narrative structures in The Legend of Zelda series, demonstrating how mathematical and interpretive approaches reveal new dimensions in contemporary genres like interactive media soundtracks. Bradford's publication trend shows consistent focus on video game narrative analysis since 2016, evolving from woodwind repertoire studies to digital media. His work bridges classical music theory with emerging game studies, particularly examining environmental storytelling through audio in interactive contexts. His scholarly recognition includes: Dissertation Year Fellowship (Spring 2016) As Theory/Composition studio coordinator, Bradford mentors students through recitals and studio meetings while securing research funding like the 2021 SPARK ArTech Grant. His active conference participation reflects ongoing scholarly contribution to music theory communities. He maintains professional engagement through the South Central Society for Music Theory and national Society for Music Theory, fostering collaborative research networks within the university's music theory ecosystem.

• Vocal Performance
• Opera
• Music Education
• +2 more

Prof. Katarzyna Nowak-Stańczyk serves as Professor of Musical Arts and Head of the Acting and Stage Movement Department at the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz's Faculty of Vocal and Acting, where she has taught since 2003 after earning her postdoctoral degree in 2005 and receiving the professor title in 2012. Her educational background includes graduating with distinction from the Academy of Music in Łódź in 1989 under Jadwiga Pietraszkiewicz. Professional highlights span 700+ opera performances across major Polish theaters and 2,000+ concert songs in works by Verdi, Mozart, Puccini, and Chopin. Her artistic research focuses on Vocal Performance and Opera interpretation, evidenced by her mastery of 30+ soprano roles including Verdi's La Traviata and Mozart's Don Giovanni, alongside concert repertoire ranging from Bach's Magnificat to Górecki's 'Copernican' Symphony. Her major awards include: Special Award at the Ada Sari Vocal Competition (1987) Finalist at the International Vocal Competition in Pretoria (1990) Special Award at the 1st International Moniuszko Competition (1992) She has recorded for SABC Johannesburg, Polish Radio Channel 2, and Polish Television while maintaining dual careers as a performer (Opera Nova soloist since 2003) and educator (previously at Zduńska Wola State School of Music).

Hervé LacombeView profile

Professor

• Music in France (19th-20th c.)
• Encounters in the arts
• Poulenc studies
• +7 more

Hervé Lacombe is a Professor of Musicology at the University of Rennes 2, where he has held a faculty position since 2002. He serves as Director of the Music Department (2009-2011, 2022-2023) and previously as Head of the Master's degree in Music and Musicology (2016-2019, 2020-2022). Recognized for his scholarly contributions, he became a Senior Member of the University Institute of France (IUF) in 2023 and is a member of the Academia Europaea. His academic leadership extends to the History and Criticism of Arts Research Unit (UR 1279) and editorial roles including Head of the 'Studies' series for the French Musicology Society publications. Lacombe's research centers on French music from the 19th to 21st centuries, with particular focus on opera history, lyrical dramaturgy, and the globalization of opera. His work explores interdisciplinary connections between music and other arts, cultural contexts of musical production, and historiographical approaches to musicology. He is internationally recognized as a leading authority on composers Bizet and Poulenc, having authored definitive biographies on both. His most significant scholarly achievement is the three-volume 'Histoire de l'opéra français' (2020-2022), a comprehensive history involving nearly 200 international collaborators. This monumental work has received multiple prestigious awards including the René Dumesnil Prize (2020) and the France Musique Claude Samuel Grand Prix du Livre (2021). His earlier works 'Les Voies de l'opéra français au XIXe siècle' (1997) and 'Bizet' (2000) also garnered significant recognition from the Academy of Fine Arts and French Academy. Bernier Prize from the Academy of Fine Arts (1997) Eugène Carrière History Prize from the French Academy (1998) Bordin Prize from the Academy of Fine Arts (2001) Grand Prix des Muses (2014) France Musique Claude Samuel Grand Prix du Livre (2021) Lacombe has directed eight doctoral theses to completion and currently supervises two more. His international influence extends through keynote addresses at institutions worldwide including Keele University, the University of Montreal, and the Kyiv Music Academy. He regularly contributes to opera programs for major international opera houses and has participated in numerous radio broadcasts and documentaries on French musical heritage.