Marcelle Freiman is an Associate Professor in the School of Humanities at Macquarie University, Australia. Her research focuses on Creative Writing pedagogy, theory, and practice, with specialties in ekphrasis, cognition in creative processes, and postcolonial creativity. She has published extensively in journals like TEXT , AXON , and New Writing , and authored three poetry collections: Spirit Level (2021), White Lines (Vertical) (2010), and Monkey's Wedding (1995). Her work has been recognized with awards including the ASAL Mary Gilmore Award (Highly Commended) and a shortlisting for the Newcastle Poetry Prize (2021). Freiman has supervised 14 PhD and 6 MRes theses, with two recent doctoral works receiving Vice-Chancellor's Commendations. She has led research projects like Transformations of Writing: A Cognitive Approach to Creative Writing Process, Practice, and Technologies (2015) and Creative Writing, Literature, Cognition: Analysing Jean Rhys’ Writing Practices (2019). Her interdisciplinary work bridges creative practice with cognitive theory, examining how extended mind frameworks apply to writing processes. Key research areas include the intersection of poetry and visual art (ekphrasis), postcolonial creativity, and the evolution of the sonnet form. She actively publishes in literary journals globally and has contributed book chapters to volumes such as the Cambridge Guide to the Sonnet . Current projects explore distributed cognition in creative processes and the role of material objects (e.g., Patrick White’s briefcase) in shaping literary practices.
Dr. Tuyen Huynh is an Assistant Professor and inaugural Bridge to Faculty Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Carolina. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research integrates mindfulness practices with family systems theory to address disparities in child and family well-being, particularly among underserved communities. She emphasizes health equity, maternal mental health, and community resilience through interventions targeting caregiver-child relationships. Dr. Huynh’s work combines qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, exploring topics like pandemic impacts on maternal mental health, mindfulness in prenatal care, and resilience in HIV-affected families. She is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia and mentoring first-generation scholars. Her research has been published in journals like Mindfulness , Midwifery , and Autism . Her academic background includes a focus on child development, contemplative science, and structural inequity. She is preparing to accept graduate students for the 2025-2026 academic year, continuing her dedication to training future psychologists from diverse backgrounds.
Jimmy Yu is the Sheng Yen Associate Professor of Chinese Buddhism and Religion at Florida State University's Department of Religion (part of the College of Arts and Sciences). He holds a Ph.D. in Asian Religions from Princeton University (2008). His research focuses on Chinese Buddhist history (1100–1800), Chan/Zen studies, and bodily rituals in East Asian religions. He teaches courses on Chinese and Japanese religious traditions, including Buddhism, Daoism, and Shintō. Yu serves as Editor of the Journal of Chinese Buddhist Studies and Series Editor for the Sheng Yen Series in Chinese Buddhist Studies (Columbia University Press). He advises the Chung-Hwa Institute's Buddhist Studies fellowships for graduate students. His publications include Sanctity and Self-Inflicted Violence in Chinese Religions (1500–1700) (Oxford UP) and Reimagining Chan Buddhism (Routledge). He has presented globally at venues like the American Academy of Religion and Oxford Symposium on Religious Studies. Education: Princeton University (Ph.D. 2008), University of Kansas (MA 2002) Editorial Roles: Journal of Chinese Buddhist Studies, Journal of Religion and Violence Key Interests: Chan/Zen lineage formation, religious violence, and embodied religious practices Yu oversees graduate studies in East Asian Buddhist Studies and mentors students through the Dharma Drum tradition. His work bridges historical scholarship with contemporary Buddhist praxis, emphasizing Chan's doctrinal and ritual innovations.
Wilson Carroll is a Lecturer at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he teaches architecture. He is the lead architect at More Than Matter, an Atlanta-based design firm, and co-founded Flixkit, a software company for short-form cinematic storytelling. He holds professional licenses in four U.S. states and has 15 years of experience in architecture firms like Thomas Phifer and César Pelli. Education: B.S. in Architecture (Georgia Tech, 2010), M.Arch (Yale University, 2017) His research interests bridge theology and aesthetics, exploring how spiritual principles intersect with architectural and artistic design. He co-authored the meditation guide Atlas Rise (2022) and advocates for ethical, interdisciplinary approaches in creative fields. No academic grants or awards are listed, though his work extends into software innovation through Flixkit. He has no listed advisees but maintains active roles in architectural practice and education.
Jakob Hohwy is Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Monash Centre for Consciousness & Contemplative Studies (M3CS) at Monash University. His research integrates philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience to study consciousness, theoretical neurobiology, decision-making rationality, and clinical applications in psychiatry/neurology. Current research explores the predictive processing framework of brain function, conscious access mechanisms, contemplative practices, and computational psychiatry models. He maintains international collaborations with neuroscientists and psychologists. Recent publications examine computational psychiatry challenges, neurocognitive accounts of PTSD therapy, contemplative wisdom for AI alignment, and universal optimism in cognitive architectures.
Jennifer Newsome Martin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theology and Program of Liberal Studies at the University of Notre Dame, serving as Director of the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture. She holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Notre Dame, with research focused on Catholic and Eastern Orthodox theology, theological aesthetics, and the intersection of faith with literature and art. Her work bridges historical theology, continental philosophy, and contemporary cultural critique. Her notable achievements include the 2017 Manfred Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise and the 2019 Frank O’Malley Teaching Award. She has authored acclaimed works like Hans Urs von Balthasar and the Critical Appropriation of Russian Religious Thought and co-edited volumes such as An Apocalypse of Love . Her research interests span 19th-20th century Catholic theology, French feminism, and the theological significance of art and literature. She serves on editorial boards for Communio , Theological Studies , and the University of Notre Dame Press , and actively contributes to ecumenical dialogue and Catholic intellectual life. Dr. Martin teaches courses on theology, ethics, and the liberal arts, advising numerous graduate and undergraduate students. Her recent articles explore topics like Bergson’s influence on ressourcement theology, the interplay of art and sacramentality, and Paul Claudel’s theological poetics.
Jonathan Schooler is Distinguished Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at UC Santa Barbara, where he directs the META Lab and Center for Mindfulness and Human Potential. His research integrates empirical psychology with philosophical inquiry, examining: Meta-awareness and its role in regulating thought Creative benefits of mind-wandering Belief in free will and its behavioral consequences Anomalous cognition phenomena Meditation-induced cognitive changes Schooler leads multiple large-scale projects including research on digital attention training for adolescents and the neuroscience of creativity. His work has been supported by Templeton Foundation, National Institute of Mental Health, and Bower Foundation.
Willoughby Britton is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior and Behavioral and Social Sciences at Brown University. She directs the Clinical and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory (CLANlab), investigating the psychophysiological and neurocognitive effects of meditation and mindfulness-based interventions. Her research focuses on mechanisms of action, adverse effects, and practice-specific outcomes in mood and anxiety disorders. Dr. Britton holds a B.A. in Neuroscience from Colgate University (1996) and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arizona (2007). She is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Her NIH-funded studies include dismantling trials comparing meditation practices and a project on mindfulness and self-regulation. Notable contributions include the 'Varieties of Contemplative Experience' study, which created a taxonomy of meditation-related challenges. Research interests span meditation safety, trauma-informed practices, and comparative studies of meditation and psychedelics on self-perception (e.g., ego dissolution). Grants: Multiple NIH-funded projects, including UH2 grants Labs: Co-director of CLANlab at Brown University Publications: Over 100 peer-reviewed articles on mindfulness, meditation safety, and neurocognitive mechanisms Her work emphasizes culturally adapted mindfulness programs and addresses gaps in understanding diversity variables. She provides training to clinicians and educators on mindfulness safety and supports individuals experiencing meditation-related difficulties.
Dobrawa Lisak-Gębala is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Polish Philology, University of Wrocław. She specializes in contemporary Polish literature, intermedial studies, sound studies, memory studies, and the theory of the essay. Her research explores the intersections between literature, visual art, and auditory experience, particularly in 20th and 21st-century Polish cultural production. Her research interests include: Intermediality in literary texts Sound and audio-spheres in literature Memory and trauma in post-war Polish writing The essay as a literary and cognitive form Visual culture and ekphrasis Gender and autobiography in contemporary prose Her recent publications analyze the essayistic reception of Chopin, the rhetoric of travel, kitsch in Polish culture, and photo-literary collaborations. The articles reflect a strong interdisciplinary trend, combining literary analysis with cultural theory, philosophy, and sensory studies. She frequently examines how literature engages with other art forms, especially painting, photography, and music. She has been recognized with a scholarship for young eminent researchers by the Minister of Science and Higher Education (2018–2021). She has also led the research project 'Poetical thanatosonics – on the grounds of Polish literature (1939–1945)', funded by the National Centre of Science, and collaborated on the 'New regionalism in literary research' project. She has contributed to various academic volumes and journals such as Poznańskie Studia Polonistyczne , Przestrzenie Teorii , Pamiętnik Literacki , and Zagadnienia Rodzajów Literackich . Her monographs Ultraliterature (2014) and Visual Springboards: Contemporary Polish Essays on Paintings and Photographs (2016) are key contributions to the field.
Dr. Joseph Azize is an Honorary Associate in Studies in Religion at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Despite the university website indicating "There is no academic staff / higher degree research student with the URLID joseph.azize," his active publications through 2024 confirm his ongoing scholarly engagement. He holds multiple degrees from the University of Sydney including BA, LLB, MA qualifying, M.Phil, and PhD. Dr. Azize's research spans multiple domains within religious studies, with particular expertise in: Gurdjieff studies and Fourth Way teachings Ancient Near Eastern religions, especially Phoenician solar theology Early Christian studies and patristics Comparative mysticism and esoteric traditions Religious symbolism and contemplative practices His scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with complex religious phenomena across historical periods. His publications reveal a distinctive interdisciplinary approach that bridges textual analysis, historical investigation, and phenomenological examination of religious experience. Particularly notable is his sustained focus on G.I. Gurdjieff's teachings, which he examines not merely as historical subject matter but as living spiritual tradition with contemporary relevance. Dr. Azize has published in numerous prestigious journals including Religions , Postscripts , Aries , and Correspondences . His work shows increasing specialization in Gurdjieff studies in recent years, while maintaining connections to his earlier work on Ancient Near Eastern religions. The thematic evolution in his scholarship suggests a trajectory from historical and textual studies toward more phenomenological and experiential dimensions of religious practice. Among his notable achievements are: Gurdjieff: Mysticism, Contemplation, and Exercises (Oxford University Press, 2020) The Phoenician Solar Theology (Gorgias Press, 2005) Co-editing Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Supplement 21: Gilgames and the World of Assyria (2007) As an Honorary Associate, Dr. Azize appears to maintain active research and publication activities without a formal teaching position. His work bridges academic religious studies with practical spiritual concerns, offering scholarly perspectives on traditions often marginalized in conventional religious studies.
Jud Murray is an Associate Professor in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Capital University, teaching courses on world religions, Asian religions, ethics, and advanced topics in Buddhism and meditation. He serves as the program coordinator for Interdisciplinary Studies and is an active member of the steering committees for the Midwest Conference on Chinese Thought and the Confucian Traditions Unit of the American Academy of Religion. Education: Ph.D., Brown University M.T.S., Harvard University B.A., The Ohio State University Research Interests: Dr. Murray specializes in East Asian religious and philosophical traditions, with a focus on Confucian moral education, Confucian and Daoist mysticism, and agrarianism in early imperial China. His current research employs contemplative studies methodologies to examine Confucian contemplation and its application in contemplative pedagogy for improving student learning and wellness. Publications Trends: His scholarly output from 2004 to 2021 centers on Chinese intellectual history, particularly the Huainanzi and Han dynasty thought. Notable recent works include entries on Confucian and Daoist mysticism for the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion (2019, 2021), reflecting his expertise in mystical dimensions of East Asian traditions and their contemporary relevance. Advising and Grants: The available information does not specify any graduate students advised or research grants received.
Rev. Ryan G. Duns, S.J., Ph.D., serves as Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Theology Department at Marquette University. His scholarly work bridges philosophy and systematic theology, focusing on figures like Karl Rahner, William Desmond, and Jean-Luc Marion. Education: Ph.D. from Boston College (2018) Research Areas: Metaphysics, Theological Aesthetics, Mimetic Theory, and Philosophical Theology Recent publications examine theological anthropology, virtue ethics, and spiritual perception. His 2024 article No Orthopathy without Orthoaesthesis explores emotion-perception dynamics in Christian anthropology. The 2023 book A Heart of Flesh connects Desmond's metaphysics with biblical hermeneutics. Teaching roles include courses like Christian Anthropology and Philosophy as Source for Theology , emphasizing Ignatian contemplative practices. His collaborative work with Frank Barrett (2022) applies Pope Francis's integral ecology to organizational ethics.
Joseph Nguyen, S.J., is an Assistant Professor at the University of San Francisco. A Jesuit priest of the U.S. West Province of the Society of Jesus, he specializes in systematic theology and Christian spirituality with a focus on Ignatian spirituality and Buddhist-Christian dialogue. He joined USF in 2020 after prior teaching roles at Gonzaga University. Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.), Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University (2015) Master of Divinity (MDiv), Boston College Master of Arts in Philosophy, Saint Louis University Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Saint Louis University His research bridges ancient Christian contemplative practices with contemporary spirituality, emphasizing intersections with Buddhist thought. He explores topics like divine union in Maximus the Confessor and Ignatius of Loyola, and has authored works on apatheia and its relevance to modern spiritual traditions. As a full-time faculty member, he serves as Associate Director of the Catholic Studies Program and Faculty Advisor for Alpha Sigma Nu. His academic journey includes appointments at Gonzaga University and foundational studies in philosophy and theology.
Mante Lenkaityte Ostermann is a Senior Researcher in the Department of Patristics and Church History at the Faculty of Theology, University of Fribourg. She has been affiliated with the University of Fribourg since 2007, initially as a graduate assistant, then as a doctoral assistant and lecturer, and currently as a researcher working on significant Swiss National Science Foundation (FNS) projects. Dr. Lenkaityte Ostermann earned her doctoral degree in Classical Philology from Vilnius University in 2007. Her academic journey has been deeply rooted in patristic studies and early Christian history, with a particular focus on Late Antiquity. Her research expertise spans several interconnected areas within early Christian studies. She specializes in ancient monastic literature, with particular attention to figures like Eucher of Lyon and John Cassian, as well as monastic rules. Her work also examines canonical sources and patristic exegesis, exploring how early Christian writers interpreted scripture. A significant portion of her recent research investigates the complex dynamics of religious identities and cohabitation in Late Antiquity, examining how different religious communities interacted, competed, and sometimes shared spaces during this transformative period. Her scholarly approach combines textual analysis with historical contextualization to reveal the nuanced ways religious identities were constructed and maintained. Dr. Lenkaityte Ostermann's extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent scholarly trajectory focused on the intersection of religious identity, textual interpretation, and communal practices in early Christianity. Her work reveals particular expertise in analyzing how early Christian writers constructed religious boundaries while simultaneously engaging with surrounding cultural and religious contexts. She has made significant contributions to understanding the development of monastic spirituality and its relationship to broader ecclesiastical structures, particularly through her examination of key texts like the Opus imperfectum in Matthaeum. Dr. Lenkaityte Ostermann has been actively involved in major research projects funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. She was a member of the FNS-Eccellenza project on religious competition in Late Antiquity (2019-2022), directed by Assistant Professor Francesco Massa. Currently, she is contributing to another FNS project directed by Professor Franz Mali, which focuses on preparing the critical edition, French translation, and commentary of the anonymous work Opus imperfectum in Matthaeum .
Konstantinos Alexakos is a Professor and Program Coordinator for General Science (GSCI) and Science Education (covering biology, chemistry, physics and earth science for grades K-12) at the School of Education, Brooklyn College, City University of New York (CUNY). He also holds a professorship in The Ph.D. Program in Urban Education at the Graduate Center, CUNY. His academic work focuses on science education, teacher development, and the integration of mindfulness practices in educational settings. His educational background includes: B.S. in Physics from The City College of New York - CUNY (1989) M.A. in Education in Physics and General Science from New York University (2000) M.Phil. in Science Education from Columbia University (2004) Ph.D. in Science Education from Teachers College, Columbia University (2005) Alexakos's research interests span multiple interconnected domains within science education. He has made significant contributions to understanding mindfulness and wellness in educational contexts , particularly how contemplative practices can enhance teaching and learning environments. His work explores emotional dimensions of science education , examining how teachers and students navigate emotional landscapes in classrooms. He has pioneered research on cogenerative dialogue and coteaching as mechanisms for improving educational practice. His scholarship also addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion in science education, with particular attention to race, gender, and cultural considerations. Alexakos investigates teacher identity formation and the challenges science educators face in urban settings, while also developing frameworks for authentic inquiry that empower teachers as researchers. His recent work increasingly focuses on holistic approaches to education that integrate physical, emotional, and intellectual dimensions of learning. Analysis of his recent publications (2017-2022) reveals a clear trajectory toward integrating contemplative practices with science education. His scholarship demonstrates a consistent focus on teacher development through authentic inquiry, with increasing emphasis on wellness, mindfulness, and emotional dimensions of teaching and learning. The publications show a progression from theoretical frameworks to practical applications of heuristics and contemplative practices in educational settings. His collaborative work with Kenneth Tobin forms a substantial portion of his output, indicating a productive research partnership focused on transforming educational practices. The publications span multiple formats including books, book chapters, and journal articles, demonstrating versatility in scholarly communication. His scientific awards and recognitions include: Brooklyn College Student Technology Fee Award for "Science Lab Probes" ($12,000) PSC-CUNY Research Award (PSCREG-38-335) for "Self and Science Teacher Attrition" ($6,000; 2007-08) PSC-CUNY Research Award (PSCOOC-37-30) for "The Science Teacher, Subjective Constructs of Science Teaching, and the 'Organic Link'" ($5,990; 2006-07) Alexakos has been actively involved in mentoring students through various teaching practicums and research activities. His courses include Natural Science for Early Childhood & Childhood Education, General Science for Child & Elementary School, Physical Science for Childhood Teachers, and multiple student teaching practicum courses. He has developed the master of arts in teaching (MAT) in science education program at Brooklyn College that infuses research and practice in science teaching in urban settings. His grant activities include research projects on teacher attrition, the science teacher as the organic link, and wellness practices in educational contexts. He has also secured funding for technology implementation in science education through the Student Technology Fee Award. While not explicitly mentioned as leading a specific laboratory, Alexakos is deeply involved with the Urban Science Education Research Seminar at the CUNY Graduate Center, where he has presented and organized numerous sessions. He has collaborated extensively with colleagues including Kenneth Tobin, Maria Powietrzynska, and Leah Pride on research related to emotions, mindfulness, and wellness in educational settings. His work with the Association of Greek American Professional Women (AGAPW) on "Inspiring Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)" demonstrates his commitment to supporting underrepresented groups in STEM fields.
