Veronica Alfano is a Lecturer in the Discipline of Literature at Macquarie University's School of Humanities. Her research focuses on Victorian poetry, lyric theory, gender/sexuality studies, memory, and media studies. She holds a Ph.D. in English from Princeton University (2011) and a B.A. in English and American Literature from Harvard University. Her work explores how Victorian poetry navigates memory, nostalgia, and cultural transformation, with a monograph The Lyric in Victorian Memory (2017) and co-edited volumes like Virtual Victorians (2015). She has led initiatives such as the NAVSA Poetry Caucus (2020–2023) and co-edits projects on lyric theory and Victorian verse. Notable awards include the Donald Gray Essay Prize (2018), a Mellon Fellowship (2005), and the McCosh Teaching Award (2011). Her current projects include a monograph on Victorian neologisms and co-edited volumes on lyric compendia and Broadview Press's Victorian poetry anthology. She actively contributes to digital humanities, editorial work, and academic events like the Faculty Research Fair (2022).
Torin Monahan is a Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and co-Editor-in-Chief of Surveillance & Society , the leading journal on surveillance studies. He earned his PhD and MS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and BA/MA from California State University, Northridge. His research focuses on the social and cultural dimensions of surveillance, particularly racial and gender inequalities, digital platforms, urban studies, and dual-career academic dynamics. Education: PhD, Science and Technology Studies – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute MS – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute BA, MA – California State University, Northridge Research Interests: Monahan's work explores surveillance systems' intersection with race, gender, and technology. He has authored seven books, including the award-winning Surveillance in the Time of Insecurity (2010), and investigates AI surveillance in higher education. Current studies include visual and performance art critiques of surveillance and racializing effects of security protocols. Publication Trends: Recent articles address dual-career academic challenges ( Discover Education , 2024), ethical surveillance impossibility (2025), and urban surveillance impacts of ride-hailing platforms ( Cities , 2022). His scholarship spans Surveillance & Society , The Qualitative Report , and International Journal of Cultural Studies , emphasizing critical race theory, data politics, and community resistance. Scientific Awards: Surveillance Studies Book Prize (2011) Expert Testimony to the European Commission Invited Discussant, U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence Grants & Collaborations: Monahan has received multiple U.S. National Science Foundation grants. He collaborates with scholars like Jill Fisher and David Murakami Wood, focusing on dual-career couples, hospital information systems, and critical surveillance theory. His 2024 Discover Education paper synthesizes institutional challenges for dual-career academic hiring.
Ingrid E.J. Heynderickx is a Professor in Applied Visual Perception at the Human-Technology Interaction group within the Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), where she also serves as Dean of the Department. She holds a part-time Visiting Research Professor role at Southeast University (China) since 2005. Her research focuses on optimizing display and lighting systems through understanding human visual perception, emphasizing both fidelity and preference in design, with attention to age and cultural variability. Academically, she earned her PhD in Physics from the University of Antwerp (1986) and spent 18 years at Philips Research, leading visual perception research. She became a Philips Research Fellow in 2005 before joining TU/e as Full Professor in 2013. She holds Fellow status with the Society for Information Displays (SID) and received the Otto Shade Prize (2015). Her recent work explores lighting solutions for office environments, roadway safety systems, and LED artifact mitigation. Notable projects include the Brainbridge initiative (2015–2016) on spectral lighting effects. Over 236 publications and 4 datasets reflect her contributions to lighting science and human-centric design. She advises on sustainable lighting technologies and collaborates globally, with recent media engagements discussing departmental leadership and smart lighting trends. Key research themes include visual attention modeling, illuminance preferences, and dynamic viewing behavior—issues critical for next-generation human-technology interfaces.
Prof. Dr. Sylvia Kesper-Biermann is a Professor of Historical Educational Research at the University of Hamburg's Faculty of Education, specifically within the department of General, Intercultural and International Comparative Education and Educational Psychology (EW 1). She has held this position since 2017 and previously served in various academic roles at institutions such as Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, and the University of Cologne. Her research focuses on historical education, transnational educational spaces, comics as educational media, post-colonial education, and the history of human rights and emotions. Educationally, she studied Middle and Modern History, History Didactics, and Specialist Journalism at Universities of Siegen, Gießen, and Bristol. Her career includes roles as a research coordinator for the DFG Graduate School on Automatism, a research fellow at the University of Paderborn, and participation in multiple DFG-funded projects. Her research interests are interdisciplinary, emphasizing the intersection of education, history, and media. Recent work explores comics' role in language education for guest workers in West Germany, transnational colonial schools, and emotional dimensions of legal cultures. She has published extensively, including monographs like Einheit und Recht and edited volumes on Turkish-German educational discourse. Prof. Kesper-Biermann has received notable awards such as the Hamburger Lehrpreis 2023 and the Karl-Ferdinand-Werner Fellowship. She leads projects like PostKol (on post-colonial education) and ComBiMe (comics as educational media in West Germany). Her work bridges historical analysis with contemporary educational challenges, emphasizing visual literacy, migration studies, and transnational collaboration. Her academic contributions include organizing lecture series on pedagogy, sexuality, and body politics, as well as international conferences on education history and comics studies. She collaborates with institutions like the Comic Kolloquium Nord and the German Society for Comics Studies, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue in visual and educational historiography.
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Zimmerer is a leading scholar in colonial and postcolonial history at the University of Hamburg 's Department of Global History. His work bridges the connections between colonialism, genocide, and modern mass violence, with a focus on German colonial history in Africa and its global implications. Professor of African History (2010–present) Former Reader at University of Sheffield (2007–2010) Co-founder of Sheffield Center for Genocide Studies Advisory roles at international genocide prevention institutions His research explores the intersection of colonial administration, racial violence, and cultural heritage. Key projects include: Investigating Hamburg's colonial past through monuments and urban spaces Decolonizing museum practices and historical narratives Developing the Colonial Sites app for public engagement Examining environmental violence as a form of genocide Zimmerer's recent publications analyze colonial memory in Germany, including the 2024 book From Windhoek to Auschwitz that traces ideological linkages between colonial and Nazi atrocities. He is actively involved in debates about renaming institutions with colonial legacies, recently advocating for the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine. His academic service includes co-editing the Journal of Genocide Research and leadership in the International Network of Genocide Scholars. Zimmerer's methodological approach combines archival research with digital humanities and public history initiatives.
Johannes Grave is Professor of Early Modern Art History at Friedrich Schiller University Jena (since 2019), having previously held professorships at Bielefeld University (2012-2019) and deputy directorship at the Centre allemand d'histoire de l'art in Paris (2009-2012). He earned his PhD from the University of Jena with a dissertation on Goethe's print collection. His research explores art theory, European Romanticism, and historical image studies, with emphasis on: Temporality in visual perception Comparative practices in art analysis German/French/Italian painting traditions The intersection of aesthetics and social imagination His publications demonstrate consistent focus on Romantic landscapes (especially Caspar David Friedrich), Renaissance aesthetics, and redefinitions of the sublime. Recent works critically engage with art historiography, copyright debates, and exhibition politics. Notable scientific recognition includes: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2020) Hans Janssen Prize for European Art History (2012) Fellowships at DFG research groups in Berlin, Bielefeld, and Greifswald He leads doctoral projects on Romantic art, image comparison, and museology, supervising 18+ PhD candidates. As speaker for the cluster initiative Imaginamics and CRC 1288 'Practices of Comparing', he coordinates interdisciplinary teams exploring social imagination dynamics.
Benjamin Mangrum is Associate Professor of Literature at MIT's School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, specializing in 20th/21st-century literature, digital humanities, and environmental humanities. His scholarship examines literature's engagement with technology, environmental crisis, and political liberalism. Dr. Mangrum's research analyzes computational obsolescence, environmental rights discourse, and the intersections of literary form with political thought. His publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining literary criticism with philosophy, digital studies, and environmental theory. Recent publications show growing engagement with energy humanities, data visualization ecologies, and artificial intelligence's cultural implications. His work consistently examines how literary forms mediate technological change and environmental consciousness. Awards: Levitan Prize (2023) Fellowships: Michigan Society of Fellows Professor Mangrum teaches courses on comedy, science fiction, environmental literature, and AI at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Danielle Bobker is a Professor in the Department of Women's Studies and an English Fellow at Concordia University. She is affiliated with the Simone de Beauvoir Institute and specializes in 17th-18th century literature & culture, critical humour studies, gender & sexuality studies, and pedagogy. Education BA, English & Drama, University of Toronto BEd, English, Drama, & French, University of Toronto MA, English, Concordia University PhD, English, Rutgers University Danielle’s research explores intersections of 17th-18th century British literature, satire, critical humour studies, gender & sexuality, and pedagogy. Her work analyzes how private spaces like closets shaped interpersonal relationships and how humor intersects with human rights and legal discourse. She is currently working on a SSHRC-funded project, Ward v. Quebec: A Case for Literary-Critical Humour Studies (2024-2026), and an upcoming book Flayed: How to Talk about Jokes without Hurting Anyone . Danielle’s publications span topics like closet rhetoric in 18th century literature, affect theory in autobiographical writing, and feminist approaches to humor. Her recent projects integrate AI and humor studies, reflecting her interdisciplinary methodology. She welcomes doctoral students interested in critical humour studies, satire, and gender studies.
Professor Peter Flügel is Chair of the Centre of Jaina Studies and Professor of the Study of Religions and Philosophies at SOAS University of London. His extensive research covers Jain history, anthropology, sociology, ritual practices, and comparative philosophy. Education: Dr Phil (Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz) MA (Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz) Flügel's research encompasses Jain schools and sects, relic stūpas, Jaina-Vaiṣṇava syncretism, socio-political history of the Jain tradition, and questions of pluralism and non-violence. He specializes in the material culture of Jain mendicant traditions and Jain legal history. Flügel has directed numerous research projects funded by the British Academy, Leverhulme Trust, and AHRC, including 'Jaina Rituals of Death', 'Jaina-Prosopography', and 'Exploratory Survey of the Jaina Heritage in Pakistan'. His publications demonstrate extensive archival research and fieldwork focused on Jain religious practices across South Asia. Scientific Awards: Ācārya Tulsī Anekānt Sammān (1999) International Pravartinī Pārvatī Jain Award (2010) Jewel of the Jain World Award (2012) Flügel convenes the Annual Jaina Studies Workshops at SOAS and serves as editor of the International Journal of Jain Studies. He maintains international collaborations with universities in Lund, Lille, and Ghent, and research partnerships with institutions in India and Germany.
Jonathan Edmondson is Distinguished Research Professor in the Departments of History and Humanities at York University's Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. His research focuses on Roman history, epigraphy, and cultural interactions in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Lusitania. He co-directs the ADOPIA project, a digital atlas of personal names from Roman Spain. Education includes: Ph.D. in Classics (Ancient History), Cambridge University M.A. in Classics, Cambridge University B.A. in Classics, Cambridge University Research interests span Roman Spain's society and economy, gladiatorial spectacles, the Roman family, and the historiography of Cassius Dio. His work employs epigraphic analysis and digital methods to explore cultural identity in provincial contexts. Recent publications demonstrate sustained focus on Lusitanian onomastics, epigraphic habits, and imperial cults. Articles utilize digital humanities approaches to reconstruct social structures and cultural dynamics in Roman colonies like Augusta Emerita. Awards and honors: Corresponding Member, Real Academia de la Historia (2002) Fellow, Royal Historical Society (2009) Genio Protector de la Colonia Augusta Emerita (2011) Award of Merit, Classical Association of Canada (2014) Dean’s Research Award, York University (2016) Distinguished Research Professor (2017) Edmondson mentors graduate students and leads international collaborations, including the CIL II Mérida inscriptions project. As co-director of ADOPIA, he oversees digital mapping of anthroponymic patterns to analyze cultural change in Roman Spain.
Stephen D. Perry is a Professor and Department Chair of Journalism and Communication Studies at Regent University. He has held leadership roles including interim dean of the Robertson School of Government and associate dean of the School of Communication & the Arts. Perry holds a B.S. from Trevecca Nazarene University (1987) and M.A./Ph.D. from the University of Alabama (1993/1995). His research focuses on media ethics, broadcast history, and peace journalism, with notable work on tsunami warning systems and religious media impacts. He has authored/co-authored books like *Communication Theories for Everyday Life* and founded *Communication Research Replication*. Perry served as a Fulbright Scholar in Mauritius and has received multiple awards for scholarly excellence. His academic career includes 17 years at Illinois State University, elected school board service, and work in media analysis. Perry's research spans topics from celebrity influence to historical radio programming analysis. He currently edits *Artifact Analysis* and previously led *Mass Communication and Society*. His interdisciplinary work bridges media studies with religious studies, emphasizing journalism's role in societal healing. Award-winning investigations include examinations of media effects on public opinion and peacebuilding through journalism. Perry's work often combines historical analysis with contemporary societal challenges, such as addressing mental health stigma through film studies. He actively contributes to scholarly discourse through editorial leadership and conference presentations.
Andrew Milne is a Lecturer in the Discipline of Philosophy within the School of Humanities at The University of Western Australia. He teaches undergraduate units including Aesthetics (PHIL3002), Philosophy of Religion (PHIL2003), Metaphysics (PHIL3001), and co-teaches Continental Philosophy (PHIL3005) with Nin Kirkham. His research spans Nietzsche studies, philosophy of art, and continental philosophy with publications on Nietzsche, Keynes, and Susan Sontag. Current projects examine Stanley Cavell, Louis Armstrong, Howard Hodgkin, Ernest Hemingway, and Henry Miller, reflecting interdisciplinary engagement with literature, music, and visual arts. His work frequently intersects cultural criticism, political theory, and aesthetics. Analysis of his publications reveals consistent focus on philosophical interpretation of artistic media, particularly photography's relationship to memory and reality. His scholarship bridges historical analysis (Nietzsche, Keynes) with contemporary cultural critique, often appearing in both academic journals and public forums like The Conversation. The recurring themes of mysticism, polemics, and public art demonstrate his unique approach to continental thought. Dr Milne actively supervises Honours students in Philosophy, including cross-disciplinary projects in History and Fine Art. He encourages prospective research students to contact him for supervision opportunities across philosophical topics and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Kate Palmer Albers serves as Associate Professor of Art History in the Department of Art & Visual Studies at Whittier College, where she teaches courses on photography history, visual culture, new media, and contemporary art. Her academic work centers on the dynamic relationship between emerging technologies and visual representation within networked societies. Her educational foundation includes a B.A. from Colorado College, M.A. from the University of California, Riverside, and Ph.D. from Boston University. Professor Albers' research investigates contemporary visual culture through multiple interconnected lenses: the ephemerality of digital photography, visual activism in social media ecosystems, gender and racial representation in institutional spaces, and the politics of public monuments. She examines how algorithmic systems reshape personal archives, collective memory, and artistic practice while maintaining critical focus on accessibility and equity in cultural representation. Her scholarship bridges historical photographic practices with cutting-edge digital phenomena including multi-gigapixel imaging, virtual reality, and data visualization. Her recent publications reveal consistent thematic threads exploring photography's transformation in the digital age, particularly how networked technologies create new forms of visibility and erasure. These works examine algorithmic vision systems, archival preservation challenges, and the circulation of images across physical and digital realms, often highlighting tensions between democratic access and technological control. Her notable recognition includes: Arts Writers Grant (2015) from Creative Capital/Warhol Foundation supporting her digital project Circulation/Exchange: Moving Images in Contemporary Art Professor Albers actively mentors students through course instruction while developing innovative public scholarship. Her current research portfolio includes a fictional adaptation of The Night Albums , analytical essays on challenging image circulation, and pioneering work documenting transgender representations in photographic history. She maintains active engagement with digital humanities methodologies and public-facing academic writing.
Karthik Dantu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. His research focuses on mobile sensor networks, robot networks, networked embedded systems, mobile computing, wireless networks, and embedded operating systems. He leads the Distributed Robotics and Networked Embedded Sensing (DRONES) Lab and has received significant funding including an NSF CAREER Award. Dr. Dantu's educational background includes: PhD in Computer Science from University of Southern California (2009) BE in Computer Science from Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (1999) His research interests center on algorithmic and systems challenges in Edge Computing Systems, with particular focus on enabling seamless vision sensing in cloud-edge environments. Dantu's work bridges mobile systems and robotics, developing novel approaches for UAV software, visual SLAM, and distributed sensing. His research addresses critical challenges in resource-constrained environments, security, and real-time performance for mobile and robotic systems, with emphasis on practical implementations that solve real-world problems in autonomous systems. Dr. Dantu's publication record shows a strong trajectory in mobile systems and robotics research, with increasing focus on edge computing applications for visual sensing. His recent work demonstrates expertise in adapting visual SLAM to edge environments, securing mobile systems through technologies like Rushmore, and developing novel approaches for UAV software reliability and depth sensing. The research spans theoretical algorithms and practical system implementations, with particular strength in bringing academic research to practical applications in robotics and mobile computing. Dr. Dantu has received several scientific honors: NSF CAREER Award on Enabling Seamless Vision Sensing in Cloud-Edge Systems Outstanding service award from the Office of International Services NSF Travel Grant for SenSys 2005 Conference Travel Grant for SIGCOMM 2002 As an advisor, Dr. Dantu has mentored numerous PhD students to completion, with graduates now working at companies like Samsung Research and Zoox Inc., or continuing academic careers as Assistant Professors. His research is supported by substantial grants including a DARPA OFFSET Sprint 4 award ($470k), an NSF CAREER award ($550k), and multiple NSF collaborative grants totaling over $1.5 million. He serves on numerous conference committees including Mobicom, MobiSys, and ICRA, demonstrating leadership in the mobile systems and robotics research communities. Dr. Dantu leads the Distributed Robotics and Networked Embedded Sensing (DRONES) Lab at UB, which focuses on developing algorithms and systems for mobile sensor networks, robot networks, and embedded sensing applications. The lab's work spans theoretical foundations to practical implementations, with particular expertise in UAV systems, visual SLAM, and edge computing for robotics, maintaining strong collaborations with industry partners and other academic institutions to advance the state of the art in mobile and robotic systems.
Andrea Bunt is a Full Professor and Associate Head (Graduate) in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Manitoba, where she co-directs the HCI lab. She has established herself as a leading researcher in human-computer interaction with significant contributions to software learnability, rural computing, and technologies for children and families. Her work bridges theoretical and practical aspects of HCI, with strong community engagement through student supervision and collaborative projects. Dr. Bunt completed her B.Sc. at Queen's University, followed by an M.Sc. in 2001 and Ph.D. in 2007 at the University of British Columbia. Prior to joining the University of Manitoba, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Waterloo in the Human-Computer Interaction Lab. This educational trajectory has provided her with a strong foundation for her interdisciplinary research approach. Her research interests span multiple areas within human-computer interaction, with particular focus on software learnability for diverse user groups, improving computing experiences in rural and remote communities, and designing technologies specifically for children and families. Her work on explainable AI, gender inclusivity in technology, and collaborative learning dynamics represents cutting-edge contributions to the field. Recent projects include Stream Assistant for live streamers, digital interventions for adolescent tech disengagement, and gender-inclusive approaches to online question-and-answer platforms. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on user-centered approaches to technology design, particularly focusing on vulnerable or underserved populations. Her work consistently bridges theoretical HCI principles with practical applications, demonstrating how technology can be made more accessible, inclusive, and effective for diverse user groups. There's a clear trajectory toward addressing societal challenges through HCI, with increasing focus on ethical considerations in AI systems. CS-Can | Info-Can Young Researcher Award (2018) NSERC Accelerator Supplement (2015-2018) Multiple Best Paper Awards at premier conferences including CHI, Graphics Interface, and FDG Consistent recognition for methodological innovation and impactful research contributions Dr. Bunt actively mentors a diverse group of students at all levels, from undergraduate research assistants to Ph.D. candidates. Her lab receives funding from NSERC Discovery Grants and other sources to support research on intelligent interactive systems. She has successfully guided numerous students through their academic journeys, with many going on to impactful careers in academia and industry. Her collaborative approach extends to interdisciplinary partnerships across computer science, education, and social sciences. The HCI lab she co-directs serves as a vibrant research hub focusing on real-world applications of human-computer interaction principles. Current projects address critical challenges including technology use in rural communities, digital wellbeing for adolescents, and inclusive design practices. The lab fosters a collaborative environment where students and researchers work together to develop innovative solutions to complex HCI problems.
