Dr. Nima Naghibi is a Professor of English at Toronto Metropolitan University, specializing in postcolonial and diasporic studies with a focus on Iran. She holds a PhD from the University of Alberta. Education: PhD in English, University of Alberta Research Interests: Explores postcolonial theory, diasporic literatures, trauma narratives, and human rights through the lens of immigrant/refugee experiences. Her work emphasizes Middle Eastern studies, particularly Iranian contexts, and the intersections of social justice with literary forms. Publications: Authored two monographs and contributed to journals like English Studies in Canada and Radical History Review . Her 2016 work Women Write Iran examines diasporic Iranian women's narratives, while earlier scholarship interrogates Western feminist frameworks in relation to Iran. Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the text. Advisees/Grants: No current advisees or grant details listed. She teaches courses related to life narratives and exile literature.
Rafael Grohmann is an Assistant Professor of Media Studies at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), with a graduate cross-appointment at the Faculty of Information (iSchool). He leads the DigiLabour Initiative and is a researcher with Fairwork, focusing on Critical Platform and Data Studies. His research emphasizes platform labour, the platformization of work, and resistance strategies among workers in Latin America. Grohmann holds a PhD in Communication from the University of São Paulo and has held prior academic positions at institutions in Brazil, including Unisinos University. His research interests span platform cooperativism, public policies for technology and labor, AI's impact on work, and data-driven labour practices. He is an editorial board member for Big Data & Society and Work, Employment and Society , and contributes to UCLA’s Center for Critical Internet Inquiry (C2i2). His work examines intersections of technology, labour precarity, and solidarity economies, with a focus on global South contexts. Recent publications analyze click farm labour in Brazil, gender dynamics in platform cooperatives, and global-local trends in platform worker organizing. Grohmann’s work bridges critical theory with action research, advocating for fair work standards in digital economies. He participates in initiatives like the Platform Cooperativism Consortium and the Labor Tech Research Network.
Ryuko Kubota is a Professor in the Department of Language and Literacy Education at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Faculty of Education, since 2009. Her research spans critical applied linguistics , race and language education , and decolonial pedagogies . She has contributed extensively to understanding language ideologies , multicultural education , and critical literacies . Education: BA in English Linguistics, Rikkyo University (1980) MAT in TESOL, School for International Training (1987) PhD in Education, OISE/University of Toronto (1992) Her research interests focus on the intersection of race, language policies, and critical pedagogies. She examines neoliberal paradoxes in language learning, translingual practices , and antiracist engagement in global contexts. Her work addresses systemic inequities in English language education and immersion programs . Recent publications highlight critical approaches to World Englishes , AI-assisted writing , and raciolinguistic hegemony . These studies span interdisciplinary sub-fields including critical race theory , decolonial education , and language teacher identity . Scientific awards include the DSSA Award 2020 . She supervises graduate students like Charu Gupta (PhD) and collaborates with institutions such as the Language Sciences Institute at UBC. Her teaching includes courses on critical multicultural education and language politics .
Kirsten Yri is an Associate Professor of Musicology at Wilfrid Laurier University, serving as Chair of Music Promotions and Appointments, and Coordinator for Music History, Theory, and Critical Analysis. She also oversees the Master of Music: Collaboration, Curation, and Creative Performance program. Her research focuses on medievalism in contemporary music and popular culture, the early music revival of the 20th century, and representations of gender in opera and music within colonial/postcolonial contexts. Yri’s research interests include analyzing how medieval themes are reinterpreted in modern contexts (e.g., film, heavy metal, and stage productions), examining the ideological underpinnings of early music revival movements, and exploring the intersection of music with gender, nationalism, and global cultural politics. Her work often critiques Western-centric narratives and highlights marginalized voices in music history. Her publications span articles in journals and edited volumes, with a focus on composers like Carl Orff and Hildegard of Bingen, as well as groups like Corvus Corax and Anonymous 4. She has contributed to interdisciplinary projects such as The Oxford Handbook of Music and Medievalism (2020). While no scientific awards are cited, her work is widely recognized in musicology and cultural studies. Yri’s teaching and research emphasize collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to music history, blending academic rigor with creative curation. She speaks English, Swedish, and German, enhancing her ability to engage with international scholarly resources and communities.
Lady Rojas Benavente is an Associate Professor in the Department of Classics, Modern Languages and Linguistics at Concordia University, where she has been teaching since her appointment as Assistant Professor in 1996, with promotion to Associate Professor in May 2003. Prior to joining Concordia, she served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa and as a lecturer at the Faculty of Education at The University of Western Ontario, where she taught second language methodology, French and Spanish. Dr. Rojas Benavente received her PhD in Hispanic Literature from the University Laval in 1991, following an MA in Spanish Literatures (Cum Laude, 1985) and BA in History and Spanish (1983), both from the University of Ottawa. She also holds a Diploma qualifying as a Secondary School teacher specializing in Spanish Language and Literature, Psychology and Philosophy from the National Pedagogic University of Women in Lima, Peru (Cum Laude, 1968). Her research focuses on Critical Feminism in Peruvian & Latin-American Women Writers, with special emphasis on contemporary Peruvian and Mexican narrative, drama, poetry and essay. Her work encompasses Cultural Studies and Literary and Critical Theories, Latin American History, Post-colonialism, Human Rights, Women Studies, Feminist Theories, Gender Issues, Latin America Black History, Indigenous and Minorities Studies, and Comparative Studies in Education. She has published nine books (two poetry collections and seven critical interpretations) and over 50 refereed papers in Latin American Women's literary work, particularly focusing on Peruvian and Mexican authors. Dr. Rojas Benavente's scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with themes of gender, ethnicity, and power structures in Latin American literature. Her recent publications explore the works of contemporary Peruvian women writers, examining how they address issues of violence, racism, and gender in post-independence national contexts. Her research trajectory reveals a deepening focus on decolonial perspectives, indigenous resistance, and the intersection of gender with other social categories. Hispanic Literary and Cultural Institute's Honor Diploma (2010) Publication Award from the University of New Brunswick for the Anthology, Constructing Memory: Latino-Canadian Women Writers in the New Millennium Recognition by Mouvement Desjardins in celebration of International Women's Day (2008) As president of the Society for Literary Criticism of Spanish American Women Writers' work (CCLEH), Dr. Rojas Benavente has facilitated connections between Concordia colleagues, local artists, international writers, and the Latino-Montreal community. She serves on the editorial boards of Alba de America, a literary magazine from the United States, and Voces, a Peruvian cultural magazine. Her leadership extends to organizing numerous conferences on Latin American women writers across Canada, Latin America, and Montreal, including multiple meetings of Hispano-Canadian Women Writers and events commemorating significant figures in Latin American literature.
Alina Sajed is an Associate Professor of International Relations in the Department of Political Science at McMaster University, where she joined in September 2013 after serving as Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong from 2010 to 2013. She earned her PhD in Political Science from McMaster University in 2008, following academic work at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Romania. Her educational background includes: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and French Language and Literature from Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iași Master of Arts from Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iași Master of Arts in Political Science from McMaster University PhD in Political Science from McMaster University (2008) Professor Sajed's research critically examines international relations through decolonial and postcolonial lenses, with particular focus on colonialism, decolonization, anticolonial theory, and Third Worldism as global political projects. Her work centers on North Africa and the Middle East, exploring political violence, political Islam, and the unrealized potential of Third Worldism beyond rigid nationalist boundaries. She investigates how Algerian intellectuals engaged in translocal solidarity with other decolonization projects worldwide. Dr. Sajed has received significant recognition for her scholarly contributions, including: ISA's 2024 Theory Award for special issue 'Anticolonial Connectivity and the Politics of Solidarity' President's Award for Excellence in Graduate Supervision (2022) As an educator, she teaches courses including International Relations: North-South, Non-Western International Relations, and Politics of the Global South. She serves as Associate Editor at Contexto Internacional: Journal of Global Connections and has guest edited issues for South Atlantic Quarterly and Postcolonial Studies, demonstrating her leadership in advancing decolonial approaches to international relations scholarship.
Michelle Daigle is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, cross-appointed with the Centre for Indigenous Studies. Her work bridges Indigenous geographies and decolonial theory through 20 years of community collaborations. PhD from the University of Washington Indigenous (Cree) scholar from Constance Lake First Nation Focus on Indigenous resurgence against colonial capitalist violence Daigle's research explores Indigenous geographies and ecologies , examining how Indigenous communities navigate colonial frameworks. Her collaborative work with Dr. Magie Ramirez develops grounded theories of decolonial geographies, emphasizing water governance, food sovereignty, and relational land-based practices. Daigle's publications reveal a trajectory analyzing spatial dimensions of Indigenous self-determination and critiques of reconciliation discourse. Her work spans journals like Environment and Planning D and The Journal of Peasant Studies , focusing on decolonial methodologies and Indigenous governance.
Jeremy Tai is Associate Professor in Modern Chinese History at McGill University, specializing in intellectual and social history from 1900 to present. His research examines gender, political economy, and cultural transformations. Specializations : Modern China, gender and sexuality studies, critical theory, and transnational cultural exchange. Key Publications : Focus on feminism in early 20th-century China and regional capitalism under Nationalist rule. Translated foundational Chinese feminist texts.
Linda J. Peake is a Professor at York University in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change. She previously served as Director of The City Institute (2013–2023) and is a leading feminist geographer specializing in urbanization, gendered urban insecurities, and marginalized communities in the global south, particularly Guyana. Her work intersects with mental health advocacy, co-chairing the AAG Affinity Group on Mental Health. Education : PhD in Political Geography, University of Reading BA (Honours) in Geography, University of Reading Research Interests : Focuses on feminist and anti-racist geographies, urban placemaking, mental health in academia, and global south urbanization. She co-leads the SSHRC-funded GenUrb project investigating gendered urbanization impacts in six global south cities. Recent Projects : GenUrb Partnership Grant (2017–2024) Summer Institute in Urban Studies (2022) China-Canada Initiative on Urbanization (2020–2021) Publications : Recent works include Urbanization in a Global Context (2nd ed., 2022) and A Feminist Urban Theory for Our Time (2021) . Her articles address feminist urban theory, pandemic impacts, and decolonial methodologies. Awards : Honors include the AAG Lifetime Achievement Award (2023), Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2022), and multiple research excellence awards from York University. Editorial Roles : Serves on editorial boards of Urban Geography and Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society .
Heather Dorries is an Assistant Professor jointly appointed to the Department of Geography and Planning and Centre for Indigenous Studies at the University of Toronto. Her work bridges Indigenous world-making and settler colonial urbanization, focusing on planning processes as tools of racial capitalism. Education PhD, University of Toronto MScPl, University of Toronto BA, McGill University Research Interests Dorries explores how Indigenous intellectual traditions—including environmental knowledge, legal orders, and cultural production—can inform anti-colonial planning practices. Her research interrogates the structural violence of settler colonial urbanization and develops theoretical frameworks for decolonizing planning. The recurring themes in her articles include Indigenous sovereignty , racial capitalism , and anti-colonial planning . Her work emphasizes the intersection of Indigenous urbanism and systemic critiques of colonialism. Contact & Affiliation Based at the Downtown Toronto (St. George) campus, she can be reached at heather.dorries@utoronto.ca in Sidney Smith Hall, Room 5016C.
Gerald Voorhees is an Associate Professor and Chair of Communication Arts at the University of Waterloo. He holds a Ph.D. from The University of Iowa (2008) and a B.S. in Speech Communication from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a Senior Fellow in the Honors Program of the College of Communication. His research explores games and new media as platforms for identity and cultural construction, with a focus on public discourse around gaming and rhetorics of race and ethnicity. Dr. Voorhees has held significant academic roles, including Vice-President of the Canadian Game Studies Association and former membership on the Executive Board of the Digital Games Research Association. He previously taught at Oregon State University and developed the Game and Interactive Media Design track at High Point University. His teaching spans communication theory, media studies, and game design, with courses such as DAC 204 (Game Design) and COMMST 430 (Communication and Social Justice). His research integrates critical theory with digital media analysis, examining topics like gender representation in games, neoliberal masculinity in esports, and racial dynamics in gaming cultures. He has co-edited influential volumes such as Masculinities in Play (2018) and Feminisms in Play (2018), contributing to foundational discussions in game studies. His recent work addresses intersectional feminism in gaming and the cultural implications of shooter game genres. Dr. Voorhees actively engages with professional organizations and academic publishing, serving as co-editor of the Approaches to Game Studies book series (Bloomsbury) and managing editor of the Gender in Play trilogy (Palgrave Macmillan). His scholarship bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis, shaping interdisciplinary dialogue on digital media's societal impact.
Nevin Reda serves as Associate Professor of Muslim Studies and Director of the Muslim Studies program (MPS) at Emmanuel College, Victoria University within the University of Toronto. Her academic leadership spans Qur'anic scholarship, Islamic legal theory, and interfaith education, with active teaching in courses such as Surat al-Baqara, Islamic Law, and Bible-Qur'an Dialogue. Her educational foundation includes: BSc, Cairo University (1989) MA, University of Toronto (2003) PhD, University of Toronto (2010) Dr. Reda's research centers on Qur'anic poetics and narrative structure, integrating literary theory, Islamic spiritual care, and Biblical Hebrew studies. She pioneers spiritually integrative approaches to Islamic ethical-legal theory (uṣūl al-fiqh) and develops interreligious pedagogies that bridge theological divides. Her work critically engages gender justice, domestic violence interpretations, and democratic theology through Qur'anic exegesis, emphasizing contextual hermeneutics and feminist perspectives. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2024-2010) reveals dominant trends in Qur'anic narrative analysis, gender-ethics intersections in Islamic law, and postcolonial interfaith dialogue frameworks. Key subfields include spiritually integrative readings of verse 4:34, reform of uṣūl al-fiqh for marriage ethics, and comparative Torah-Qur'an exegesis, demonstrating consistent methodological innovation across disciplines. No scientific awards were documented in the source material. As MPS Director, Dr. Reda mentors graduate students in Muslim Studies while advancing curriculum development for intercultural theological education. Her scholarly output—including two monographs and collaborations with institutions like Women and Memory Forum—reflects sustained research leadership, though specific grant details remain unreported. Current projects focus on Qur'anic structure theory and decolonizing epistemologies in religious studies.
Aimée Morrison is an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo. She holds a PhD from the University of Alberta, an MA from the University of Guelph, and a BA from York University. Her research focuses on the intersection of technology, social media, and identity, particularly examining how individuals construct and negotiate self-representation in digital spaces. Education: PhD (Alberta), MA (Guelph), BA (York) Her work explores topics like neurodivergence in academic accommodations, hashtag activism, selfie culture, and the rhetorical affordances of social media platforms. She has conducted research in digital humanities labs across multiple universities and maintains an active public scholarship presence. Current projects include a book on 1980s personal computers and a critical analysis of selfies as modern communication tools. Recent scholarship emphasizes viral communication, digital identity politics, and the ethical dimensions of technology mediation. Her grants include a 2019 Trudeau Fellowship and SSHRC funding for studies on selfie rhetoric and digital life writing. Awards: 2020 Waterloo Teaching Excellence Award, 2019 Trudeau Fellowship Supervises graduate work in New Media Studies, Photography Studies, and intersectional critical studies (race/gender/disability). Active in rethinking public scholarship paradigms through digital platforms.
Shannon Bell is a Professor in Political Science at York University, working as a performance philosopher who integrates digital video technology with political theory. Her research examines intersections of cyberpolitics, aesthetics, and power through projects like 'Shooting Theory', which visualizes philosophical concepts through film. She has authored books including 'Fast Feminism' and 'Reading, Writing and Rewriting the Prostitute Body'. Current SSHRC-funded projects explore bioart and robotic art extremes, with residencies at Symbiotica (UWA) and international exhibitions. She teaches courses on modern political thought, technopolitics, and aesthetics. Educational background includes a PhD in Political Science from York University. Professional leadership includes directing the Resource Centre for Public Sociology.
Krista Lynes is a Professor of Communication Studies at Concordia University, holding the Canada Research Chair in Feminist Media Studies and directing the Feminist Media Studio. Their research focuses on intersectional frameworks addressing feminist media studies, queer theory, migration studies, critical race studies, environmental humanities, and infrastructure studies. Lynes employs research-creation methodologies to interrogate systems of power and mobility. Thesis supervision: Media Studies (MA), Communication (PhD), Humanities (PhD) Labs/Teams: Director of the Feminist Media Studio, a space for interdisciplinary art and activism Recent work examines vital energy in greenhouse infrastructures, queer migrant activisms, and decolonizing corporeal representations in art. Their scholarship bridges media theory with global social justice concerns, emphasizing transnational circuits and planetary aesthetics.
