Nancy J. Smith-Hefner is a Professor and Department Chair of Anthropology at Boston University, on leave during 2024-25. She specializes in linguistic anthropology, focusing on religion, gender, and youth culture in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Cambodia. Her research explores intersections of language, identity, and morality among Muslim youth, addressing topics like gender diversity, middle-class subjectivities, and cultural debates. Education: PhD, MA, and BA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Key research areas include: linguistic anthropology, gender/sexuality studies, youth culture, Islam in Southeast Asia, and diasporic communities. She has authored Islamizing Intimacies (2019) and Khmer American (1999), edited Waithood (2020), and her work is supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, Spencer Foundation, and the Fulbright Program. Current projects include a monograph on youth romance in Indonesia, analyzing 'experience-near' narratives of young Javanese individuals. Courses taught span sex/gender studies, Southeast Asian modernity, linguistic anthropology, and global sexualities.
Joan M. Hoffman is a Professor of Spanish at Western Washington University, serving as Study-Abroad Advisor, Summer Advisor for Spanish, and Point Person for Spanish Outreach. She holds a B.A. from the University of Washington, an M.A. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a Ph.D. from Indiana University. Her research focuses on 19th-Century Spanish Realism, Spanish Women Writers, the Spanish Civil War, and narrative/drama studies. She actively advises students on study abroad opportunities and promotes Spanish program outreach. Her publications emphasize anthologies of Spanish women's literature and critical analyses of gender dynamics in Spanish texts, spanning works from the Baroque to modern realism. Notable books include La otra historia (2024) and Voces femeninas de España (2015), with articles exploring themes like trauma, maternal imagery, and subversion in narratives by María de Zayas and Emilia Pardo Bazán. Hoffman's teaching spans advanced Spanish courses, including SPAN 301, 351, and 401 during the 2024-25 academic year. While no scientific awards are listed, her contributions to Spanish literary scholarship and education are highlighted through her extensive publication record and academic advising roles. She maintains an open-door policy for student consultations, offering flexible office hours in MH 222A and Zoom availability when in-person visits are不便.
Robert S. Miola serves as the Gerard Manley Hopkins Professor and Lecturer in Classics at Loyola University Maryland, where he teaches upper-level English and Classics courses including Shakespeare I/II, English Literary History before 1800, and Renaissance Catholic Literature from his Humanities Center office. Education B.A., Fordham University Ph.D., University of Rochester Miola's research centers on Shakespeare's engagement with classical traditions, examining how Plautus, Terence, and Homer influenced Renaissance drama. His work bridges literary analysis, translation studies, and religious history, with particular focus on Catholic textual traditions during the Reformation. He explores intersections between classical antiquity and early modern innovation through meticulous textual scholarship. His publication trajectory reveals deepening specialization in editorial work, evolving from monographs on Shakespeare's classical sources to definitive Norton editions. Recent projects emphasize translation history (Chapman's Homer) and Catholic literary networks, while maintaining core focus on Shakespearean textual criticism and Ben Jonson's classical reception. Scientific Awards Nomination for Book of the Year, London Times Literary Supplement (2019) for 'George Chapman, Homer's Iliad' Beverly Rogers Literary Award (2019) for 'Ben Jonson's Reception of Lucian' Miola actively mentors students through collaborative editorial projects, notably co-editing Measure for Measure with undergraduates. His international lecture circuit spans institutions from the Huntington Library to universities in Rome, Verona, and Campinas, reflecting global scholarly impact. Current work includes the 2025 Norton Macbeth edition and ongoing research into scribal transmission of early modern texts.
Sam Kendrick is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Tennessee. Their research investigates cultural meanings of sex and love through the lens of evolving courtship practices, emphasizing intersections with gender inequality, race, and class. With a PhD from the University of Kansas (2024), they teach courses including Introduction to Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Sociology of Families, and Politics of Physical Appearance. Education: PhD in Sociology (2024), University of Kansas Kendrick's research focuses on how changing courtship patterns influence gender power dynamics and sexual norms, including pandemic-era impacts. Their publications analyze topics like sexual scripting in relationships, hegemonic masculinity in climate fiction films, and historical shifts in courtship. Recent work engages with sociological theory, cultural analysis, and interdisciplinary knowledge production frameworks. Selected publications address: 1) gendered representations in Cli-Fi media; 2) temporal analysis of courtship practices (1950-2000); 3) sexual script theory in dating outcomes; and 4) intersections of gender and climate knowledge production. These works appear in venues like Sexuality & Culture and Masculinities: A Journal of Identity and Culture .
Dr. Sylvia Niehuis is a Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at Texas Tech University’s College of Human Sciences. She also directs the SMITTEN Lab ( Studying Maturation, Interpersonal Transitions, Theory, and Emotions in Newlyweds ), where she and her team investigate romantic relationship development across dating and marital contexts. Education and Training: While specific degree details are not provided, the title “Ph.D.” and her appointment as Professor indicate completion of doctoral training in Human Development, Family Studies, or a closely related field. Research Interests: Dr. Niehuis’s program of research centers on how romantic relationships evolve within ecological systems—family, peers, culture, and even climate change. She examines idealization and disillusionment , the transition from dating to cohabitation and marriage , and relationship dissolution . Methodologically, she integrates surveys, daily diaries, interviews, experiments, physiological assays, language analysis, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Publication Trends: Her most recent work (2019–2024) demonstrates a consistent focus on disillusionment processes across multiple contexts—premarital pregnancy, dating-app use, neuroimaging correlates, and cross-cultural validation of measures. A growing emphasis on big-data and machine-learning approaches is evident, culminating in a 2020 PNAS paper leveraging 43 longitudinal couples studies. Scientific Awards: Berscheid-Hatfield Award for Distinguished Mid-Career Achievement, International Association for Relationship Research IARR Article Award (Runner-Up, 2019–2020) Top Four Paper Award, Interpersonal Communication Division, Western States Communication Association Integrated Scholar Recognition, Office of the Provost, Texas Tech University Nancy J. Bell Graduate Faculty Excellence in Mentoring Award Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award, Center for Active Learning and Undergraduate Engagement, TTU Teaching Award, International Association for Relationship Research Elected Membership, Teaching Academy, TTU President’s Excellence in Teaching Award, TTU Advising, Mentorship, and Funding: Dr. Niehuis has mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate researchers, many of whom appear as co-authors on her publications. Although she is currently not accepting new graduate students , the SMITTEN lab continues to foster collaboration among faculty, graduate, and undergraduate researchers through weekly meetings and shared projects. Laboratory and Team: The SMITTEN lab— Studying Maturation, Interpersonal Transitions, Theory, and Emotions in Newlyweds —maintains an active longitudinal project following predominantly Hispanic newlywed couples in the Lubbock area. The lab’s infrastructure supports survey, interview, and fMRI data collection, and it encourages community participation via hs.smitten@ttu.edu.
Lauren Kelly is a Lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology within the College of Education at the University of North Texas (UNT). She teaches courses in family law and public policy, courtship and marriage, families in crisis, and the interplay between families, communities, and schools. Education: Doctorate in HDFS/Forensic Science, Texas Tech University Professional Training, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Her research and professional expertise focus on child abuse and its long-term outcomes, forensic interviewing techniques, trauma-informed counseling, and victim advocacy. She also investigates topics such as romantic relationships, sexism, and breastfeeding awareness. Her interdisciplinary background bridges psychology, forensic science, and public policy. Dr. Kelly brings extensive practical experience from her work with a New Mexico-based non-profit, where she provided clinical services to children who survived severe physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Her training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center further equipped her with skills in crime scene investigation, lie detection, and profiling. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Dr. Kelly has not advised any students listed in the available information and has not received any grants mentioned in the text. She is actively contributing to academic instruction and applied research in child welfare and relationship dynamics. There is no mention of laboratory or research team affiliations in the provided content.
University of California , Santa Barbara (UCSB)United States
Alicia Cast was a distinguished Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), specializing in social psychology, family dynamics, and gender studies. She held leadership roles in the American Sociological Association (ASA) and contributed to the development of the General Social Survey’s Identity Module. Her research focused on identity formation, emotions, and their impacts on mental health and social inequality. Education: Ph.D., Washington State University B.A., Beloit College, Wisconsin Her research explored how marital power dynamics influence identity imposition, gender identity shifts during parenthood, and the role of self-esteem as a buffer against identity non-verification. She pioneered studies on farmer identities and environmental adaptation through agricultural practices. Over 1,500 citations of her seminal work in Social Forces underscored her impact on identity theory. Her teaching and mentorship were legendary, directing undergraduate studies for 1,500+ majors and guiding numerous graduate students to academic success. She championed diversity initiatives at UCSB and was deeply involved in campus leadership. Legacy: Alicia’s innovative contributions to sociology, coupled with her compassion and generosity, left an enduring imprint on her field and community.
Associate Professor of Anthropology at Berry College's Sociology and Anthropology Department, Anne Lewinson specializes in urban transformation in East Africa. Her research focuses on Tanzanian urban culture evolution since the shift from African socialism to globalization, particularly among white/pink-collar professionals. She explores themes like gender relations, domestic architecture, and life cycle events as lenses into African city dynamics. Teaching interests include cultural anthropology, African societies, urban anthropology, and sociological theory. Her ethnographic fieldwork in Dar es Salaam examines how schooling and mobility shape a distinct professional urban class. She has published widely on topics ranging from hip hop subcultures to postcolonial spatial politics. Lewinson's work bridges globalization's impact with localized cultural responses, emphasizing how Tanzanians navigate modernity through urban spaces and social practices. Her research highlights intersections of class, gender, and global economic shifts in African metropolises.
Sherry Roush is a Liberal Arts Professor of Italian in the Department of Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese at The Pennsylvania State University. She specializes in medieval/renaissance and early modern Italian literature and culture, with particular focus on the commentary tradition, philosophical poetry, and literary translation. Her work bridges textual analysis with historical context, examining how Renaissance writers used rhetorical devices like eidolopoeia to engage with political and cultural issues. Education: Ph.D., Italian Language and Literature, Yale University MA, Italian Language and Literature, Yale University BA, Literature, University of California, Santa Cruz Research interests emphasize interdisciplinary exploration of Italian literature's evolution, including: Renaissance narrative forms and their socio-political dimensions Translation as a scholarly practice and cultural bridge Interactions between philosophy and poetry in early modern texts Her publications include award-winning translations of Lodovico Corfino and Jacopo Caviceo, alongside monographs on Campanella’s poetry and medieval marriage narratives. Awards include NEA and NEH grants, teaching accolades, and recognition from institutions like the Bogliasco Foundation. She has held leadership roles in the MLA’s Translation Studies and Renaissance Italian Literature divisions, contributing to professional standards in literary translation and scholarship. Teaching spans undergraduate and graduate levels, integrating research into courses like 'Ghosts and Otherworldly Visions in Italy' and 'Dante in Translation.' Her pedagogical approach emphasizes language acquisition through cultural immersion and critical analysis.
Eli J. Finkel is a Professor of Psychology at Northwestern University's Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences and a Professor of Management & Organizations at the Kellogg School of Management. He serves as the Morton O. Schapiro Fellow at the Institute for Policy Research, founding co-director of the Center for Enlightened Disagreement, and director of the Relationships and Motivation Lab (RAMLAB). His research focuses on romantic relationships, interpersonal conflict, self-control processes, and American political polarization. Finkel has published over 170 scientific papers and authored the bestselling book The All-or-Nothing Marriage . Education: PhD (2001) and MA (1999) in Social & Quantitative Psychology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; BA (1997) in Psychology from Northwestern University (Magna Cum Laude). Research Interests: 1. Interpersonal Attraction: Examines dating innovations (e.g., speed-dating, online platforms) and their impact on relationship initiation. 2. Interpersonal Conflict: Studies forgiveness dynamics, conflict escalation, and intervention strategies. 3. Self-Control: Investigates how relationships influence self-regulation and goal pursuit. 4. Political Behavior: Explores partisan animosity, ideological conflict, and societal polarization. Recent work highlights gender-neutral patterns in romantic attraction, the role of shared finances in marital quality, and interventions to reduce political hostility. His research has been featured in The New York Times , Science , and Harvard Business Review . Awards: Daniel M. Wegner Theoretical Innovation Prize (2016) Weinberg College Distinguished Teaching Award Fellow, Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (2004) Short-listed finalist for 2022 HBR Prize Labs & Teams: Directs RAMLAB and co-leads the Center for Enlightened Disagreement. Active in cross-disciplinary collaborations addressing relationship science and societal challenges.
Katherine Parkin, Ph.D., serves as Professor and Jules Plangere, Jr., Endowed Chair in American Social History at Monmouth University's Department of History and Anthropology. Her distinguished career bridges academic scholarship and public engagement through frequent media appearances in The New York Times , Washington Post , The Economist , and NPR. Her research centers on the intersections of gender, consumer culture, and social history. Parkin examines how advertising shapes gender roles, particularly through food and automobile marketing, while expanding into sexuality studies and Native American women's history. Her work reveals how commercial messaging reinforces societal expectations while reflecting cultural transformations. Parkin's publications demonstrate consistent thematic evolution from gendered food advertising ( Food is Love , 2005) to women's automotive experiences ( Women at the Wheel , 2017) and contemporary abortion access history ( The Abortion Market , 2025). This progression shows deepening engagement with bodily autonomy, consumer rights, and historical market forces shaping women's lives. Emily Toth Award (2006 & 2018) American Philosophical Society Phillips Fund (2024) Featured in Slate's Slow Burn: Roe v. Wade Regular Washington Post and Time Magazine contributor As an educator, Parkin mentors students through advanced research seminars while teaching core courses including History of Advertising, Women's History, and Consumer Culture. Her public scholarship extends to Smithsonian lectures and Two River Theater presentations, demonstrating commitment to translating academic research for broader audiences. Current projects focus on pre-Roe abortion markets and Native American research initiatives funded by the Phillips Grant.
Dr. Scott Woolley serves as a Distinguished Professor in the Marital and Family Therapy program at the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University. He directs the Alliant Couple and Family Clinic and co-founded the San Diego Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Training and Research Institute for EFT (TRI EFT Alliant). With decades of experience, he has trained therapists globally and collaborated closely with EFT founder Dr. Susan Johnson. His educational background includes: PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, Texas Tech University MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, Brigham Young University BS in Economics, Brigham Young University Dr. Woolley's research centers on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) , with expertise in couples therapy, marital processes, and cultural dynamics. He investigates therapist training , supervision methodologies , and intersections of religion and chemical dependency in therapeutic contexts, bridging clinical practice and empirical research. His 15+ publications (1996-2009) reveal consistent focus on EFT techniques, therapy process research, and cross-cultural applications. Key trends include attachment theory , cost-effectiveness of marital therapy , and gender bias in clinical assessment , demonstrating commitment to evidence-based practice. As an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and EFT Certified Trainer, Dr. Woolley mentors therapists globally through TRI EFT Alliant. His leadership in clinic and training initiatives underscores dedication to advancing family therapy practice and education. He directs the Alliant Couple and Family Clinic and San Diego Center for EFT, fostering clinical innovation and international collaboration in emotionally focused approaches.
Liesel Sharabi is an Associate Professor at the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University (ASU), where she directs the Relationships and Technology Lab. Her research focuses on the intersection of communication technologies and modern romance, particularly online dating platforms, algorithmic matchmaking, and virtual reality's role in relationships. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2015), and prior faculty positions included West Virginia University and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Her work has been featured in peer-reviewed journals like Journal of Social and Personal Relationships and Communication Research , as well as media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal , Bloomberg , and WIRED . Sharabi has received prestigious awards including the 2022 Early Career Award (National Communication Association) and the 2024 Franklin Knower Article Award. Her research interests include: (1) algorithmic influences on mate selection, (2) virtual reality applications in romantic contexts, (3) dating app burnout and mental health, and (4) LGBTQ+ relationship experiences on digital platforms. Current grants include studies on communication interdependence in daily life and virtual touch in relationships. Sharabi has advised over 15 graduate students and co-authored 50+ publications. She maintains a Psychology Today blog ( Dating in the Digital Age ) and frequently speaks at conferences on topics like AI in dating and post-pandemic relational dynamics.
Clara Engelina Gerhardt serves as Distinguished Beeson Professor and Character Scholar in Residence at Samford University's Orlean Beeson School of Education within the Department of Human Development and Family Science. A licensed clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist, she brings four decades of clinical experience and international perspective to her academic work. Her academic credentials span three continents: PhD in Psychology from University of Pretoria, South Africa MBA in Business Administration from Samford University DTE Graduate Diploma of Tertiary Education from University of South Africa (UNISA) MA in Clinical Psychology from University of Pretoria BA with triple majors in Psychology, French and German (Cum Laude) from University of Pretoria Dr. Gerhardt's research synthesizes family dynamics, character education, and multicultural perspectives. She pioneered the integration of virtue-based principles into educational curricula and developed innovative applications of problem-based learning in therapeutic contexts. Her systemic family therapy expertise, honed through direct observation of the field's pioneers since the 1980s, informs her cross-cultural analyses of family systems. Recent publications reveal evolving scholarly priorities toward contemporary societal challenges including food insecurity, religious transmission across generations, and immigration's impact on marital structures. Her work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications across diverse cultural settings. Accolades reflecting her impact include: Distinguished Beeson Professor (2020) and Character Scholar in Residence (2022) Professor of the Game: Homecoming 2021 award National Council on Family Relations Certified Family Life Educator Award (2013) Two Alabama Governor's Certificates of Appreciation (2013, 2008) Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology Outstanding Service Recognition (2013, 2009) Orlean Beeson School of Education Outstanding Scholarship Award (2012) As an educator, Dr. Gerhardt has mentored students through signature courses in Counseling Foundations, Parenting, and Multicultural Perspectives. Her leadership extends to former department chair roles and service as Alabama State Board of Examiners in Psychology chair. With over 200 international conference presentations across six continents, she maintains active collaborations with institutions including Oxford University's Jubilee Center. Fluent in five languages and drawing from lived experience across Africa, Europe, and North America, Dr. Gerhardt cultivates globally informed research teams focused on character education innovation and family systems resilience.
Brian Higginbotham serves as Professor and Associate Vice President for Extension at Utah State University within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Department of Family, Consumer, and Human Development. His office is located in AGRS 429 with contact number (435)-797-7276. Educational background includes: PhD in Human Development/Family Studies from Auburn University (2005), Dissertation: The Remarriage Belief Inventory: Testing the factorial structure and validity with a remarried sample MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Auburn University (2002), Thesis: The association between adult attachment styles, religiosity, and courtship violence experienced by females BS in Psychology from Brigham Young University (2000) Higginbotham's research centers on stepfamily dynamics and relationship education, with particular focus on remarriage adjustment, divorce intervention, and family strengthening programs. His work examines how relationship education impacts diverse populations including incarcerated fathers, Latino families, and youth. Through extensive mixed-methods research, he investigates predictors of marital stability, co-parenting dynamics post-divorce, and culturally responsive program design. His publications demonstrate strong emphasis on translating research into practical Extension programming that addresses real-world family challenges across the lifespan. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on dyadic relationship processes within remarriage and stepfamily contexts. His work prominently features longitudinal designs, actor-partner interdependence modeling, and mixed-methods approaches to evaluate relationship education effectiveness. Key trends include increasing attention to underserved populations (incarcerated individuals, ethnic minorities), technology-enhanced program delivery, and the intersection of economic stress with relationship outcomes. His research consistently bridges theoretical frameworks like the Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation model with practical Extension applications. Scientific recognition includes: Strong Human Services Award (2023) Excellence in Extension Award, Western Region Winner (2013) Million Dollar Researcher designation (2012) Multiple Florence Hall Awards (2011-2012) University Faculty Researcher of the Year (2010) Early Achievement Award (2009) Higginbotham has directed numerous federally and state-funded Extension initiatives including Healthy Relationships Utah (2006-present), Divorce Education (2015-present), and the Utah Marriage Commission (2021-present). His mentoring impact is evidenced by the Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year award (2006-2007). Current grant activities focus on adapting relationship education for diverse populations through online platforms and community partnerships, with particular emphasis on serving military families, incarcerated individuals, and economically disadvantaged groups. His work demonstrates exceptional integration of research, teaching, and Extension outreach. Leadership extends to directing statewide programs including the Utah Healthy Marriage Initiative (2009-2014) and Family Strengthening Relationships (2010-2016). His teams specialize in developing culturally responsive curricula like Smart Steps for Stepfamilies and evidence-based divorce education programming. Current projects focus on pandemic adaptation of relationship education services and expanding reach to American Indian and African American parents through tailored online interventions.
