Don Hankins is a Professor in the Geography & Environmental Studies Department at California State University, Chico. His work integrates Indigenous fire stewardship with modern ecological management, focusing on climate resilience and cultural revitalization. Office: Butte 539 Phone: 530-898-4104 Email: dhankins@csuchico.edu His research emphasizes: Indigenous fire practices for ecosystem restoration Policy realignment for sustainable fire management Ecocultural approaches to climate adaptation Gendered dimensions of fire knowledge retention Publications highlight trends in: Collaborative fire zones for risk reduction Braiding Indigenous and Western fire science Impacts of colonization on fire practices
Thomas Wien is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Montreal. He holds an honorary professor title in the same department. His research focuses on the history of New France, the Atlantic world, and the circulation of people, goods, knowledge, and information between Indigenous and French America and Europe (1660–1800). He explores topics such as fur trade networks, natural history exchanges (e.g., Jean-François Gaultier's work), and historiographical debates about French colonial memory post-1759 Conquest. Education: While specific degree details are not explicitly stated, his academic position implies advanced historical studies. His work bridges historical analysis with interdisciplinary approaches, including studies on Indigenous diplomacy, colonial administration, and transatlantic knowledge transfer. Research Interests: His expertise spans colonization/decolonization , historiography , cultural memory , and European colonial networks . He emphasizes the agency of Indigenous peoples and the role of natural history in colonial contexts. Recent projects include the transatlantic textual journeys of New France to German-speaking regions (2019–2022, CRSH-funded). Grants: He co-led a 2012–2016 FRQSC-funded project on French Atlantic knowledge exchanges and directed a 2019–2022 CRSH project on textual circulation. Advising: He has supervised numerous graduate theses, including studies on fur trade dynamics, historiographical debates, and Indigenous-European relations. His mentorship spans over 50 students across master’s and doctoral programs. Publications: Key works include De Québec à l’Amérique française (2007), Vingt ans après Habitants et marchands (2007), and articles on colonial governance and transatlantic networks. His 2005 article on beaver pelt trade routes highlighted 18th-century fur traders’ economic strategies. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with research initiatives like the Contours de l’Atlantique Français project and collaborates with international scholars on colonial and transatlantic studies.
Dr Mahmud Masum is a Lecturer at the Adelaide Business School , affiliated with the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics at the University of Adelaide. He joined the university in 2006 after a 5-year career in the banking and financial sector (1998-2003). His research focuses on institutional reforms in developing countries, particularly examining intersections between corporate governance, financial reporting, and public accountability. Appointments Lecturer, Adelaide Business School (2006–present) Banking and Finance Sector Professional (1998–2003) Research Themes : His scholarly work critically analyzes: World Bank-led performance management systems in developing contexts Political colonization of regulatory bodies Implementation of global accounting standards Central bank organizational reforms Corporate governance structures in emerging economies Impact of regulatory changes on forecast accuracy and institutional accountability
Takayuki Nakamura is a Professor at the School of Law, Waseda University, specializing in Caribbean French literature and African diaspora cultures. His research focuses on Édouard Glissant's works and the French-language African magazine 'Présence Africaine.' He has held academic positions at Waseda University since 2013, progressing from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and now Professor. He also conducted overseas research at Université Paris Cité from May 2023 to July 2024. Dr. Nakamura earned his Academic Doctorate from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. His scholarly trajectory demonstrates a deep commitment to Caribbean and African diaspora studies, with particular emphasis on literary and cultural theory. Nakamura's research interests span African and African Diaspora Studies, Literary Criticism, Transatlantic literature, and Francophone literature, with a particular focus on Caribbean French literature. His work explores the intersections of literature, politics, and cultural identity, examining how literary works engage with historical processes of colonization, resistance, and creolization. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of Édouard Glissant's philosophy of 'relation' and the political significance of 'Présence Africaine' magazine in shaping postcolonial thought. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent engagement with themes of decolonization, Black radical thought, and the philosophical underpinnings of cultural identity. Nakamura's work bridges literary analysis with political philosophy, particularly in examining how Caribbean and African diaspora writers have contributed to global intellectual movements. His scholarship reveals a trajectory from close readings of individual authors like Glissant to broader examinations of transnational cultural movements and their political implications. Japan Association for African Studies Library of Glissant Studies (LoGS) Conseil International d'Études Francophones (CIEF) He welcomes graduate students interested in French-language Caribbean literature and transatlantic cultural studies through his research laboratory. His teaching includes courses on French language at various levels, as well as interdisciplinary studies focusing on the French-speaking world and sustainable development.
Rebecca Johnson is a Professor at the University of Victoria Faculty of Law, serving as Associate Director of the Indigenous Law Research Unit and Director of the Graduate Program. She holds a BMus (University of Calgary, 1985), MBA (University of Alberta, 1990), LLB (University of Alberta, 1991), LLM (University of Michigan, 1995), and SJD (University of Michigan, 2000). Her research focuses on interdisciplinary legal studies, including law-and-film, Indigenous legal methodologies, judicial dissent, and critical feminisms. She co-edited a special issue of The Canadian Journal of Women and the Law on “Law, Film and Feminism” and collaborates internationally on judicial dissent studies. Her award-winning book Taxing Choices explores intersections of class, gender, and law. Johnson teaches courses in Criminal Law, Business Associations, Law-and-Film, and Indigenous Law. She also leads initiatives like the TRC-inspired #ReconciliationSyllabus and contributes to the National Centre for Indigenous Laws. Research & Awards Recipient of the “Award-winning book: Taxing Choices” Internationally recognized collaborative work on judicial dissent with Marie-Claire Belleau Recipient of SSHRC funding for judicial dissent research Advising & Grants Johnson’s work is supported by SSHRC grants and includes collaborations with Indigenous communities. She advises students on topics intersecting law, film, and Indigenous methodologies. Her blog and public engagements reflect her commitment to decolonizing legal education and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. Labs & Teams Indigenous Law Research Unit (ILRU) National Centre for Indigenous Laws
Madhura Joshi is a Lecturer in English Studies at Toulouse 1 Capitole University, affiliated with the Center for Anglophone Studies (CAS) and the Department of Languages and Civilizations. She holds a doctorate from Paul Valéry University Montpellier III and is actively engaged in research on Indian sociolinguistics, education policies, and cultural identity. Her research interests include sociolinguistics, language transmission and learning, Indian studies, education policies in India, marriage and family dynamics, religious and regional identity, Indian cinema, ecofeminism, and the didactics of French and English as foreign languages. She explores how language, power, and identity intersect in both educational and familial contexts, particularly within Indian society. Madhura Joshi's publications span journal articles, book chapters, and conference communications, with a strong focus on sociolinguistic analysis of Indian social practices, language teaching methodologies, and cultural representations. Her recent work investigates ecofeminism, health and colonization, and feedback mechanisms in language education, reflecting a growing interdisciplinary engagement with postcolonial and environmental themes. Very Honorable Mention with unanimous congratulations from the jury for Doctorate (2012) She has held significant academic responsibilities, including serving as President of the Society for Activities and Research on Indian Worlds (SARI) since 2020 and as Deputy Director of the Department of Languages and Cultures at Toulouse 1 Capitole (2021–2023). She also manages the multilingual scientific journal Miroirs . There is no mention of research grants, student advising, or laboratory affiliations in the provided texts.
Julie Burelle is an Associate Professor of Performance Studies at the University of California, San Diego’s Department of Theatre + Dance. Her work centers decolonial frameworks, Indigenous sovereignty, and cultural repatriation through performance. She is a leading scholar in Indigenous studies and Performance Studies, with notable publications including Encounters on Contested Lands (2019), which won multiple awards. Burelle’s research explores how Indigenous communities assert sovereignty through performative practices, particularly in Quebec and beyond. She co-authored Xajoj Tun (2021), analyzing Ondinnok’s Rabinal Achi production. As a dramaturg, she collaborates with theatre companies like Sledgehammer Theatre and Native Voices at the Autry, emphasizing collaborative and culturally grounded practices. Recognized for her DEI contributions, she received UCSD’s 2017 Diversity Teaching Award and a 2018 Hellman Fellowship. Burelle serves on editorial boards for Theatre Research in Canada and Percées: explorations en arts vivants . Her work bridges academic and practical realms, advocating for Indigenous agency in artistic and pedagogical spaces. Education: PhD in Performance Studies from UC San Diego. Research focuses on Native American/First Nations theatre, decolonial methodologies, and Indigenous performance sovereignty. Office: Galbraith Hall 305, UCSD.
Dr Anna Lawrenson is a Lecturer in Museum and Heritage Studies at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the Sydney Environment Institute and The Vere Gordon Childe Centre. She holds a BA (Hons) from UWS and a PhD from ANU. Her research focuses on museum funding, administration, and the socio-political dimensions of exhibitions, particularly blockbusters and their impact on public engagement. Teaching primarily in the Museum and Heritage Studies postgraduate program, she instructs courses on museum history, administration, cultural property ethics, and audience engagement. She supervises MA and PhD students in these areas, alongside Honours Art History students. Current projects include studies on Australian blockbuster exhibitions, multisensory curatorial practices, and democratizing exhibition development. Her research often bridges theoretical frameworks with practical challenges faced by museums, informed by her dual career in academia and the arts sector. Key publications include *The Rise of the Must-See Exhibition* (2019) and articles exploring museum responses to climate disasters, post-pandemic education, and audience inclusivity. Media engagements include analyses of museum funding models and exhibition trends in *The Sydney Morning Herald* and ABC Radio.
Craig Fortier is a tenured Associate Professor in Social Development Studies, with a cross-appointment in the Gender and Social Justice department. Their work bridges academia, community engagement, and social justice activism. Education : Ph.D. in Sociology from York University MSW from the University of Toronto Research and Teaching Interests : Craig focuses on settler colonialism, social movements, and decolonizing practices in social work. They explore intersections of popular culture, radical pedagogy, and urban Indigenous sovereignty, alongside topics like migrant justice, queer/trans* participation in sports, and baseball history. Key Projects : Emergent Encounters Action Project : Interdisciplinary collaboration addressing social justice issues. Abolition Social Work : Forthcoming edited collection (Spring 2024) critiquing carceral systems in social work. The Humber is a Haunting : Analyzes Indigenous resurgence practices along the Humber River. Speaking Fruit : Mobile fruit-stand supporting migrant farmworker rights as principal investigator. A Field of Dreamers on Stolen Land : Radical softball league challenging toxic norms in sports.
David Meren is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. He also serves as a researcher at the Centre d'études et de recherches internationales (CÉRIUM) and the Centre d'études sur la paix et la sécurité internationale (CEPSI). His academic work focuses on Canadian and Quebec international history, particularly examining the intersections of settler colonialism, foreign policy, and indigenous relations. Meren earned his PhD from McGill University and completed postdoctoral fellowships at the London School of Economics and the University of Paris IV-Sorbonne. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding Canada's place in the global context through historical analysis. Professor Meren's research interests center on international relations, Canadian foreign policy, empire and imperialism, colonization and decolonization, 20th century history, Quebec studies, globalization, and nationalism. He employs cultural and social history approaches, along with postcolonial studies, to explore Canada and Quebec as 'projects of rule' while situating them within global currents. His work critically examines how international activities have shaped and been shaped by the lived experiences of people in northern North America. His publications reveal a consistent focus on the entangled histories of Canada, Quebec, and France, as well as the relationship between settler colonialism and foreign aid. Meren's work often explores how race has shaped Canadian international history, as evidenced by his co-edited volume 'Dominion of Race: Rethinking Canada's International History.' His research demonstrates how Canadian development assistance after 1945 is deeply connected to Indigenous-Canadian relations. Among his professional recognitions: Best Article Prize from Histoire sociale/Social History (2017) for 'Commend me the Yak': The Colombo Plan, the Inuit of Ungava, and 'Developing' Canada's North Professor Meren has supervised numerous Master's students, including Bernard, David (2020); Turcotte, Yanick (2018); Dubé, Alexandre (2017); Hamel-Perron, Hugo (2016); and Giguère, William (2015). His current research is supported by significant grants, including a FRQSC grant (2022-2026) for 'Savoir et capital à Montréal, 1800-2000' as co-researcher, and previously led a SSHRC-funded project (2013-2016) on 'First Peoples, Third World: A Reconnaissance of the Origins of Canadian Foreign Aid, 1945-1952.' As an active member of Montreal's academic community, Meren participates in the Montreal History Group and contributes to scholarly discourse on Canadian international history through his research, teaching, and mentorship.
Sinéad Matson is a post-doctoral researcher at Maynooth University's Department of Adult and Community Education within the School of Education . She actively contributes to the Erasmus+ funded TUTOR project , focusing on inclusive education strategies for second-level and further education educators across Europe. Her academic career spans diverse educational domains, including early childhood education and care, Montessori primary education, second-level teacher training, and further/higher education. She specializes in: Decolonizing childhood narratives Equitable and ethical research methodologies involving children Diversity and inclusion frameworks Matson's work emphasizes curriculum development and validation by the QQI in Irish third-level institutions. She actively designs continuous professional development courses in inclusive education, collaborating with European partners. Her research frequently addresses cultural nuances in educational practices, particularly in Majority World contexts. Scientific awards and honors: None documented. Her publications reflect interdisciplinary themes across: Decolonizing research paradigms Global educational policy transfer Marginalized child voice representation Ethical frameworks for cross-cultural research Curriculum design for inclusion Teacher-researcher dynamics in international settings Matson also engages in partnership model analysis for educational programs and consults on participatory research strategies across Europe.
Giovanni Ruocco is Associate Professor in History of Political Thought at the Department of Political Science, Sapienza University of Rome, where he has achieved qualification as Full Professor. He teaches courses on Political Thought of Colonization and Decolonization and History of Political Thought, and until the 2024-2025 academic year taught Democracy and Critique of Contemporary Societies. His research focuses on postcolonial criticism, race and racialization, Western thought, democracy studies, and urban informality. Ruocco examines how Western political thought constructs the 'other' through colonial discourse, analyzing the historical development of racialization from early modernity through 19th-20th century race doctrines to contemporary critical historiography. His work interrogates the relationship between Western civilization and other cultures, exploring how this relationship influences Western self-representation and legitimizes global colonial hegemony. His recent publications reveal a strong trajectory in postcolonial studies, with increasing focus on the colonial foundations of Western thought. The 2025 manual with Giuseppe Ricotta represents a culmination of his work on postcolonial criticism. His scholarship consistently bridges historical analysis with contemporary political concerns, particularly regarding racism, identity construction, and democratic theory. The recurring themes across his work include boundaries, otherness, and the politics of knowledge production. Ruocco serves on editorial committees for journals Storia del pensiero politico and Scienza e Politica , and is part of the Sapienza research lab on commons and urban regeneration (Lab ComCon). He has edited four volumes on the idea of the people in modern and contemporary political thought (2011-2024) and published a significant work on Mosca and race doctrines (2017). As a member of the Doctoral School in Political Studies and various academic committees, he plays an active role in shaping political science education at Sapienza University.
Dr Alexander Morrison is Fellow & Tutor in History at New College, University of Oxford, with a faculty position in the History of Modern War. His research examines imperial expansion and colonial warfare, particularly Russian activities in Central Asia through comparative analysis of European empires. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Eurasian empires, global imperial history, and modern warfare. Research focuses on: Russian colonial administration in Turkestan Military logistics of imperial expansion Comparative British-Russian imperial strategies Indigenous responses to colonialism Cultural memory of conquest Recent publications analyze frontier fortifications, military culture, and administrative systems, showing consistent methodological emphasis on archival research and comparative frameworks. Publications demonstrate evolving focus from conquest mechanics toward social histories of colonial societies and post-imperial memory. Morrison actively supervises doctoral students researching imperial histories and warfare. He maintains collaborative relationships with Central Asian academic institutions and contributes to public history discourse through media engagement on Russian colonial legacies.
Felipe Mercado, Ed.D., MSW, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at California State University, Fresno. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration, a Master's in Social Work, and a Bachelor's in Social Work, all from Fresno State. His professional journey includes roles as an elementary school principal, counselor, and social worker, complemented by certifications as a Certified Compassion Teacher and Chief Wellbeing Officer. Dr. Mercado's research focuses on restorative justice, alternative discipline practices, and integrating indigenous methodologies into education and therapy. Education: Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration (Fresno State) MSW in Social Work (Fresno State) Bachelor's in Social Work (Fresno State) Research Interests: Dr. Mercado explores compassionate leadership, intergenerational healing, and non-colonized practices. He advocates for mental health policy reforms and community engagement initiatives, particularly for marginalized youth. His work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing resilience-building and equity in educational systems. Professional Contributions: He serves on the boards of the California School-Based Health Alliance and Kings View Behavioral Health. His publications include peer-reviewed articles, a best-selling book, and a Psychology Today blog addressing topics like trauma resilience and systemic equity. Dr. Mercado also founded Wise Souls LLC, dedicated to holistic well-being programs. His recent work explores psychedelic-assisted therapy within cultural frameworks. Teaching & Leadership: Teaches courses on social work research, chemical dependency, and policy advocacy. He designs curricula emphasizing cultural diversity and trauma-informed practices. Leadership areas include community schools models and compassionate discipline frameworks. Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams at Fresno State and through Wise Souls LLC, focusing on mental health equity initiatives and decolonized healing practices.
Karen L. Kotloff, MD is the John A. Scholl, MD and Mary Louise Scholl, MD Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM). She serves as Head of the Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Pediatrics and Associate Director of Clinical Studies at the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD). Board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Disease, she provides clinical care at the University of Maryland Medical Center for children with infectious diseases in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her educational background includes: B.A. in Psychology, Washington University (1975) M.D., Temple University School of Medicine (1979) Pediatric Internship and Residency, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (1980-83) Fellowship in Infectious Disease, University of Maryland School of Medicine (1983-86) Dr. Kotloff's research focuses on the epidemiology of infectious diseases and vaccine development to prevent child mortality globally. Her work spans clinical trials of vaccines across all age groups, with emphasis on diarrheal diseases, pneumonia, and other infectious causes of death in children. She has pioneered major international studies including GEMS, VIDA, CHAMPS, and PERCH to identify pathogens and develop interventions in low-resource settings. Her research integrates field epidemiology with translational science to address critical gaps in global child health. Her publication record demonstrates leadership in vaccine trials for emerging pathogens (including COVID-19), bacterial infections (Shigella, group A streptococcus), and respiratory diseases. The research consistently addresses high-burden conditions in developing countries, with strong emphasis on practical interventions that reduce mortality. Major awards include: Distinguished Professor, University of Maryland, Baltimore (2021) Temple University School of Medicine Alumni Achievement Award (2019) Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mali (2005) Alexander I. Shaeffer Teaching Award (1987-88) As Principal Investigator of the NIAID-funded Vaccine Treatment and Evaluation Unit (VTEU), she leads multiple large-scale clinical trials. Current grants include: VTEU site implementation (2020-2026) Azithromycin impact studies in Mali (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) CHAMPS (Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance) Enterics for Global Health site readiness She serves on international advisory committees for the Gates Foundation and WHO, directly influencing global health policy. Dr. Kotloff directs the Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Pediatrics and plays a central role in the CVD, where her team conducts research from basic science to field implementation across multiple continents, with ongoing projects in Africa and Asia.
