Rita Aiello is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at New York University's College of Arts & Science. Her research focuses on the cognitive and perceptual processes involved in musical listening, with particular emphasis on neuroaesthetics, music learning, and memory. She holds an Ed.D. from Columbia University and has held faculty positions at institutions including the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music. Her work bridges music theory, cognitive science, and education, with a lifelong background as a classical pianist. Education: Columbia University (Ed.D.), Manhattan School of Music (M.M., B.M.), Conservatorio San Pietro a Maiella (Diploma in Music Theory) Certifications: Kodály and Orff Methods Her research explores how musical training influences cerebral dominance, the relationship between mental representations and emotional responses to music, and the cognitive underpinnings of musical memory. She has published widely on topics ranging from musical expectation to pedagogical strategies for memorization. Recent work investigates evolutionary perspectives on singing and the psychological mechanisms behind musical communication. Publications reflect interdisciplinary engagement with music's structural rules, metaphorical dimensions, and its role in human cognition. While no specific grants or awards are listed, her extensive international teaching experience includes visiting roles at institutions in Rome and Lugano, Switzerland, and an honorary appointment at Columbia University's Teachers College.
Mohamed Shaat is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Engineering Department at St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas. Holding a Ph.D. from New Mexico State University (2017), he previously served as Assistant Professor at Abu Dhabi University (2019-2021) and held postdoctoral positions at Southern Methodist University (2022-2024) and Boston University (2021-2022). His research bridges energy storage systems, active matter physics, and advanced materials engineering. His educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, New Mexico State University, 2017 M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, New Mexico State University, 2016 M.Sc., Zagazig University (Egypt), 2012 B.Sc., Zagazig University (Egypt), 2007 Dr. Shaat's research program focuses on interdisciplinary innovation in energy storage (SOFCs & ASSBs), mechanics of active matter, nano-confined fluids, chiral metamaterials, and topological/non-Hermitian mechanics. He integrates machine learning with continuum mechanics to optimize electrochemical systems and additive manufacturing, exploring nontraditional phenomena in complex materials for next-generation engineering applications. Analysis of his 60+ journal articles reveals a dominant trajectory in nonlocal elasticity theory and topological mechanics, with increasing integration of machine learning (2020-2024). His work spans nanostructure mechanics, metamaterial design, and energy storage optimization, demonstrating consistent innovation in theoretical frameworks for complex material systems. His scholarly recognition includes: World's Top 2% Scientist (Stanford University, Mechanical Engineering & Transports, since 2019) Outstanding Graduate Award, New Mexico State University (2017) Merit-Based Enhancement Fellowship, New Mexico State University (2017) Best Master's Thesis Award, Zagazig University (2013) Committed to academic service, Dr. Shaat serves on the editorial board of Scientific Reports and as Specialty Associate Editor for Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering. His extensive peer review for Nature, Nature Communications, and Applied Physics Letters reflects his field authority. While specific grant details aren't disclosed, his postdoctoral appointments and publication volume indicate successful research funding. His teaching includes Materials Engineering and Materials Laboratory courses, emphasizing hands-on student mentorship. Though laboratory infrastructure isn't explicitly detailed, his research scope suggests computational modeling expertise and likely collaboration with experimental teams for materials characterization in energy storage and metamaterials development.
Geoffrey Wodtke is a Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Chicago, where he also serves as Associate Director of the Stone Center for Research on Wealth Inequality and Mobility. He holds multiple committee appointments including the Committee on Quantitative Methods in the Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences, the Committee on Environment, Geography, and Urbanization, and the Committee on Education. Additionally, he is a Research Associate at the Population Research Center and a Faculty Affiliate with the Program in Computational Social Science. Wodtke earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Michigan in 2014, where he also completed an M.A. in Statistics in 2011. His undergraduate education began at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he received his B.A. in Sociology with a concentration in analysis and research. His research program spans four interconnected areas: neighborhood effects and urban poverty, group conflict and racial attitudes, class structure and income inequality, and methods of causal inference in observational research. Wodtke's work on neighborhood effects has particularly focused on the temporal and developmental dimensions of how neighborhood poverty impacts child development, with findings suggesting more severe effects than previously documented, especially during adolescence for children from poor families. His recent publications reveal a clear trajectory from substantive neighborhood effects research toward increasingly sophisticated causal methodology development. This evolution includes integrating machine learning approaches with traditional causal inference frameworks, as seen in his forthcoming work on "Deep Learning with DAGs." His methodological contributions focus on handling treatment-induced confounding and developing regression-with-residuals approaches for causal mediation analysis. Leo Goodman Award for contributions to sociological methodology (2020) Reviewer Award, Sociology of Education (2016) Mark Chesler Award for best graduate student paper (2014) Student Paper Award honorable mention (2011) Jane Addams Award for best article (2011) Wodtke has secured significant research funding including a $300,264 NSF grant for "Why Neighborhoods Matter" (2020-2023) and an $87,819 SSHRC Canada grant for "Neighbourhoods, Schools, and Environmental Health Hazards" (2018-2022). He has advised numerous graduate students and developed specialized courses on causal mediation analysis. Wodtke co-hosts The Inequality Podcast produced by the Stone Center and has developed several software packages for causal inference including MedFlow, RcGNF, cGNF, and RWRMED.
Overview Prof. Harris Kyriakou is an Associate Professor and Chair Holder of the Media & Digital Chair at ESSEC Business School. His research focuses on leveraging artificial and collective intelligence to enhance organizational value creation, digital strategy, and data-driven decision-making. He has advised multinational firms like Airbnb, Facebook, and Yelp, and his work is supported by grants from NSF and the Spanish government. Education Ph.D. in Management Sciences (Stevens Institute of Technology, 2016) M.S. in Engineering & Technology Innovation Management (Carnegie Mellon University, 2010) B.Sc. in Digital Systems (University of Piraeus, 2007) Research Focus His research explores intersections between AI/collective intelligence, blockchain, sharing economy regulations, and platform governance. Key themes include data network effects, algorithmic regulation, and digital transformation. Recent work on ChatGPT vs. Google examines AI-driven competitive dynamics in search markets. Recognition Awarded the 2024 Case Centre Triple Award, 2022 Early Career Award (AIS), and multiple best paper awards (AoM, INFORMS). Recognized as a 40-Under-40 MBA Professor by Poets & Quants. Teaching & Leadership Co-leads the 'Algorithmic Governance in Platform Economy' thesis Teaches courses on AI, digital strategy, and IT management at ESSEC and IESE Former Assistant Professor at IESE Business School (2016–2021) Professional Contributions Serves as a European Commission advisor on digitalization, reviewer for top journals (MIS Quarterly, Academy of Management Review), and mentor for doctoral candidates.
Can ÖZCAN is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Industrial Design Department at İzmir University of Economics (IUE) since 2006. He holds a PhD in Semiotics from Dokuz Eylül University and is the Director of EKOTAM Design Research and Application Center. His academic career includes roles at Izmir Institute of Technology and Yeditepe University, where he contributed to department establishment and curriculum development. Education: B.ID (Middle East Technical University), MSc/PhD (Dokuz Eylül University, Semiotics) Research focuses on Design Project Management, History of Industrial Design, Design Education, and Semiotics. He explores design's role in crime prevention, cultural industries, and food packaging through projects like 'Secure Urban Environments by Design' and 'Menemen Pottery Development Model'. Administratively, he led EKOTAM (2011–present) and managed industry collaborations in product/service design, brand development, and franchising. His courses include advanced topics in design management, semiotics, and design history. Notable projects include EU-funded urban security frameworks and brand identity studies for Turkish agricultural products. He has advised over a dozen graduate theses on topics ranging from yacht design to sustainability in cities.
Sebastian Heilpern serves as Acting Assistant Professor in Stanford University's Department of Earth System Science, transitioning to Assistant Professor in January 2026. An ecologist and sustainability scientist, he investigates biodiversity change in aquatic ecosystems—particularly the Amazon basin—and its implications for human well-being through food systems, renewable energy, and public health lenses. His research integrates fieldwork, data science, and synthesis across local to global scales. His educational background includes: PhD in Ecology, Evolution & Environmental Biology from Columbia University (2020) MS in Ecology & Evolution from the University of Chicago (2015) BS in Biological Sciences from Cornell University (2011) Heilpern's research centers on identifying synergies between biodiversity conservation and societal objectives. His work examines how aquatic biodiversity sustains nutritional security through fisheries, assesses hydropower's socio-ecological tradeoffs, and develops climate-smart planning frameworks. By connecting ecological processes to human outcomes, he advances sustainability science through interdisciplinary approaches that bridge environmental and social domains. His 2023-2025 publications reveal dominant themes in Amazonian freshwater systems, fisheries nutrition, and renewable energy planning. Key trends include quantifying biodiversity's role in dietary resilience, optimizing hydropower development to minimize ecological harm, and establishing mercury-nutrition linkages in fish consumption. His work consistently emphasizes win-win solutions that align conservation with food/energy security. Award highlights: Eric & Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at Cornell University As principal investigator of Stanford's Biodiversity Lab, Heilpern leads research reconciling conservation with food, energy, and water security. His team prioritizes equity in science practice while addressing historical inequities. Current projects focus on Amazonian freshwater systems, sustainable aquaculture siting, and climate-resilient energy planning, supported by interdisciplinary collaborations across ecology, data science, and policy domains. The Biodiversity Lab actively recruits researchers through structured opportunities emphasizing diversity and justice in sustainability science. Laboratory values explicitly center on correcting science's inequitable legacy while advancing stronger ecological understanding through inclusive practices.
Yan Huang is an Associate Professor of Business Technologies at the Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University. She holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems and Management from Carnegie Mellon University (2013) and a B.Sc. (with honors) in Information Systems and Management from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (2009). Prior to joining Carnegie Mellon University, she served as an Assistant Professor of Technology and Operations at the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ross School of Business (2013-2018). Her educational background includes: B.Sc. (with honors) in Information Systems and Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (2009) Ph.D. in Information Systems and Management, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, United States (2013) Dr. Huang's research examines the economic and social impacts of technologies and identifies effective designs and policies for technology-enabled markets and platforms. She employs economic theories, structural modeling, statistical modeling, machine learning methods, and an understanding of the underlying technologies in her research. Her recent work focuses on the economics of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), with particular attention to algorithmic fairness, transparency, and collusion. She is among the first to bring economic and social perspectives to research on fair ML. Additionally, she studies digital platforms and online markets, examining how firms can leverage data-driven strategies to optimize pricing, personalization, and user engagement. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on the intersection of AI/ML with economic principles, particularly in areas like algorithmic bias, pricing strategies, and platform regulation. A significant portion of her work examines how machine learning algorithms impact financial lending decisions, housing markets, and content creation platforms. Her research methodology frequently combines structural econometric modeling with empirical analysis of real-world data, providing both theoretical insights and practical implications for platform design and policy. Dr. Huang has received several prestigious awards for her scholarly contributions: AIS Senior Scholar Best Publication of 2023 Award for "Algorithmic Transparency with Strategic Users" Runner Up, Best Paper Published in Information Systems Research for 2021 for "Crowds, Lending, Machine, and Bias" INFORMS Information Systems Society Sandy Slaughter Early Career Award Finalist, Best Student Paper Award, CIST 2021 for "Human-Algorithmic Bias: Source, Evolution, and Impact" Pounds Fellowship As an active member of the academic community, Dr. Huang serves on various committees at CMU including the MSBA Curriculum Review Committee and the Tepper School Strategic Plan Task Force. She has also held editorial positions for Management Science, Information Systems Research, and the International Conference on Information Systems. Her teaching portfolio includes courses on Human and Algorithmic Bias, Modern Data Management, and PhD-level instruction at the Tepper School.
Matt Nowinski is a Collegiate Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. His professional roles include advisory board memberships and leadership positions within the department. He holds multiple degrees including a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from ETH Zurich (1999), an M.S. in Computer Science from Syracuse University (2022), and prior mechanical/aerospace engineering degrees from Virginia Tech. His research focuses on asteroid dynamics (particularly D-type and V-type asteroids), gas turbine engines, aeroelasticity, and education technology. Notable areas include lightcurve analysis, surface mineralogy modeling, and machine learning applications in astronomy. His work bridges aerospace engineering with astrophysics, leveraging both experimental and computational methods. Dr. Nowinski has over 24 years of industry experience as a Boeing subject matter expert in military communications systems, complemented by academic roles at George Mason University and University of Chicago. He is a recipient of the John Jones Faculty Fellowship and Society of Distinguished Alumni honor. His research contributions span asteroid characterization, turbine blade flutter mechanisms, and telescope instrumentation. Current work emphasizes observational astronomy through the Stone Edge Observatory and Slack-based collaborative platforms. He actively contributes to advancing STEM education through innovative curricula and research integration.
Professor Catherine Easton serves as Professor in Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law at Lancaster University's School of Law, with additional affiliations at Security Lancaster and the Centre for Law and Society. Her work bridges legal scholarship with practical technology implementation, focusing on digital inclusion and governance frameworks. Her research centers on internet governance, domain name regulation, intellectual property law, and accessibility for disabled users. She examines how legal frameworks interact with human-computer interaction systems, particularly in crisis response scenarios and educational technology. Her scholarship consistently addresses the tension between regulatory compliance and genuine digital inclusion, with special attention to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Her recent publications reveal growing emphasis on autonomous systems regulation, particularly regarding disability access in driverless vehicles, and ethical frameworks for cloud-based disaster response. The scholarly trajectory shows evolution from foundational website accessibility analysis toward complex systems governance in emerging technologies. Higher Education Academy International Scholarship recipient MMU Promising Researcher Fellow (2011) Co-chair of UN Internet Governance Forum's Internet Rights and Principles Dynamic Coalition Treasurer of British and Irish Law, Education and Technology Association Guest editor for Web Journal of Current Legal Issues Disability Special Edition Professor Easton actively develops legal education technologies, having created interactive teaching resources for major textbooks and pioneered clicker technology applications in law classrooms. She leads initiatives like the National Law Student Forum and has presented extensively on MOOCs and legal pedagogy. Her Security Lancaster affiliation connects her work to broader research on information transparency and crisis response ethics, where she examines big data's implications for inclusion and human rights.
Florian Muijres is an Associate Professor and Chairholder at the Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University & Research, where he leads the Animal Flight Lab. His research focuses on the biomechanics, aerodynamics, and flight control of natural flyers such as insects, birds, and bats, with applications in bio-inspired robotics and ecological solutions like mosquito traps and flapping-wing drones. He holds a PhD from Lund University (Sweden) and conducted postdoctoral research at the Dickinson Lab, University of Washington (USA). Research Interests: Merging experimental and computational methods, his work explores primary research on flight mechanics (e.g., mosquito evasion, butterfly gliding) and applied studies (e.g., drone design, pollinator behavior in greenhouses). His lab uses advanced videography and robotic models to study flight dynamics under real-world conditions. Labs & Teams: The Animal Flight Lab collaborates with biologists, physicists, and engineers to investigate flight adaptations in mosquitoes, bumblebees, and pied flycatchers. Projects include developing high-efficiency traps and analyzing flight performance in complex environments.
Laurie Mook is an Associate Professor and Associate Director in the School of Community Resources and Development (CRD) at Arizona State University (ASU). She is also affiliated with the Lodestar Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Innovation and the Center for Organization Research and Design (CORD). Her research focuses on the social economy, including nonprofits, cooperatives, social enterprises, volunteerism, and social accounting. She holds a Ph.D. in Adult Education and Community Development from the University of Toronto, along with an M.Ed. and B.A. from Canadian institutions. Dr. Mook’s academic contributions include co-authoring influential books such as Understanding the Social Economy: A Canadian Perspective (2018) and editing the Canadian Journal for Nonprofit and Social Economy Research . Her teaching spans courses like Social Marketing and Strategic HR Management, emphasizing online pedagogy and curriculum design. Her awards include the 2021 Distinguished Service Award from ANSER and multiple Outstanding Faculty Awards at ASU. She has been a leader in professional associations like ANSER and ARNOVA, contributing to conference organization, editorial roles, and policy discussions. Her work bridges academic research, nonprofit practice, and social innovation, addressing topics like volunteer management, impact measurement, and the role of technology in the social economy.
Dr Juliet Coates is an Associate Professor in Plant Molecular Genetics at the University of Birmingham, School of Biosciences, working part-time. Her research focuses on plant development, evolution, and cell biology, particularly the transition of plants to land. She advocates strongly for inclusion and diversity in academia, holding roles such as Quality Assurance and Enhancement (QAE) lead and APP lead. She earned her PhD from University College London and undergraduate degree from the University of Cambridge, specializing in Natural Sciences. Her teaching spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including courses on plant science, molecular genetics, and communication skills. Recent research projects include investigating submergence tolerance in seaweeds, MYB93 protein function in Arabidopsis and tomatoes, and DELLA proteins in moss. She has been awarded the University of Birmingham’s Excellent Practice Award and a Royal Society-Leverhulme Trust fellowship. Coates collaborates widely, including with artists and on public engagement projects like the 'Kelp Road' exhibition. Key roles: QAE Lead, APP Lead, Equality & Diversity Champion Research Themes: Plant evolution, environmental adaptation, and molecular genetics Grants: BBSRC, Gatsby Foundation, EU-Marie Skłodowska Curie Outreach: STEM ambassador, author of popular science, radio features
Nicolas Gaspard is an Assistant Professor at Yale School of Medicine, specializing in neurology and critical care neurophysiology. His research focuses on epilepsy, particularly status epilepticus, NORSE/FIRES syndromes, and EEG monitoring in acute neurological conditions. He leads studies on therapeutic interventions (e.g., electrical stimulation, neuroprotective agents) and outcome prediction in cardiac arrest and epilepsy patients. Collaborations include teams at Yale and international institutions, with a focus on translational research and clinical practice improvements. Education: PhD from Université Libre de Bruxelles (2009). Research interests include neurocritical care, cortico-cortical connectivity, and optimizing EEG protocols in intensive care settings. His work bridges clinical practice and advanced neurophysiological techniques, aiming to improve patient outcomes in severe neurological emergencies. Key contributions include studies on single-pulse electrical stimulation reducing seizures and the role of sodium DL-3-ß-hydroxybutyrate in neuroprotection post-cardiac arrest. Publications (2023–2025) emphasize epilepsy syndromes, critical care EEG applications, and multicenter studies on treatment adherence and long-term outcomes. His team actively engages in NORSE/FIRES registry analyses to characterize disease progression and communication trends. Grants and funding details are not explicitly listed, but his research aligns with Yale’s focus on translational neurology.
Dr. Hongli (Julie) Zhu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainable energy storage, multifunctional materials, and advanced manufacturing, with emphasis on developing environmentally friendly biomass-derived materials, all solid-state batteries, and flow batteries. She leads the ZHU Lab at Northeastern University, which is dedicated to creating safer, cheaper, and higher performance energy storage solutions while exploring multifunctional materials derived from nature. Dr. Zhu received her PhD from South China University of Technology and Western Michigan University (2004-2009). She conducted postdoctoral research at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden (2009-2011), focusing on biodegradable and renewable biomaterials from natural wood, followed by additional postdoctoral work at the University of Maryland (2012-2015), where she researched nanocellulose and energy storage. Dr. Zhu's research spans multiple disciplines at the intersection of materials science, energy storage, and sustainable manufacturing. Her work addresses critical challenges in energy storage technology, including developing all solid-state batteries, flow batteries, and high energy density battery systems. She has pioneered research in sustainable biomass-derived materials, particularly investigating cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin for applications in bendable, implantable, and biocompatible electronics. Her lab also focuses on advanced manufacturing techniques, including high-speed roll-to-roll processing for emerging advanced materials and devices. Analysis of Dr. Zhu's publication record reveals a strong focus on next-generation battery technologies, particularly solid-state systems. Her research demonstrates significant contributions to understanding and improving lithium dendrite suppression, electrode architecture optimization, and interface stabilization in solid-state batteries. She has also made substantial advances in sustainable materials derived from natural resources, developing applications for cellulose nanostructured fibers, paper, and aerogel/hydrogel systems. MRS Communications Early Career Distinguished Presenters and JMR Distinguished Invited Speakers (2024) Selected in Stanford University List of Top 2% Scientists Worldwide (2021-2024) College of Engineering Faculty Fellow (2023) Soren Buus Outstanding Research Award (2022) Women in Materials Science, Advanced Materials (2021 and 2022) Women Scientists at the Forefront of Energy Research, ACS Energy Letters (2020) Innovator of the Year 2013, Maryland Jakob Wallenberg Scholarship, Sweden Dr. Zhu has secured significant research funding from various sources, including the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy. Her current projects include "Uncovering the mechano-electro-chemo mechanism of fresh Li in sulfide based all solid-state batteries through operando studies" (NSF), "Enabling Advanced Electrode Architecture through Printing Technique" (DOE), and "Engineering the Metal Sulfide Interface in All Solid State Batteries through Operando Study" (NSF). She collaborates with industry partners including Rogers Corporation and has developed patented technologies related to sustainable materials and energy storage. Dr. Zhu serves as Codirector of Advanced & Intelligent Manufacturing, Editor of Progress in Materials Science, and on the Editorial Advisory Board of Chemical Society Reviews. The ZHU Lab at Northeastern University is a highly interdisciplinary research group that bridges scales from the nanoscopic to macroscopic and system level. The lab's work has led to numerous patents, including "Natural fiber composites as a low-cost plastic alternative" and "Fire-retardant Nanocellulose Aerogel, and Methods of Preparation and Uses Thereof." The group focuses on making energy storage safer, cheaper, and higher performing while exploring multifunctional materials derived from nature, with particular emphasis on applying high-speed roll-to-roll manufacturing to emerging advanced materials and devices.
Associate Professor Sunghoon Kim holds a position at the University of Sydney Business School's Discipline of Work and Organisational Studies. He previously taught at UNSW Business School, Cornell University, and Peking University. His PhD is from Cornell University, with MBA and BBA degrees from Seoul National University. His research focuses on strategic HRM, employment relations, and the impact of technological changes like AI on workplaces. He has edited major works including the Routledge Handbook of Human Resource Management in Asia and contributes to the APRU project on 21st-century work transformations. Kim serves as Associate Editor for journals like Human Resource Management and Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources . His recent work addresses algorithmic management, employee well-being in AI contexts, and cross-border labor dynamics. He has advised students researching migrant worker choices and voice processes in organizations. Media engagements include commentary on workplace perks and work-life balance in South Korea. Teaching responsibilities include courses on performance management, strategic HRM, and international HR practices. His research highlights the intersection of technology, culture, and organizational sustainability.
