Lones Smith is a Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, holding the Maude P. & Milton J. Shoemaker Distinguished Chair and the David Blackwell Professorship. He previously held faculty positions at MIT and the University of Michigan. Education: PhD in Economics (University of Chicago), Honours BA in Math and Economics (Carleton University) Smith’s research focuses on microeconomic theory, particularly information economics, search theory, matching theory, and game theory. He explores how strategic incentives and information asymmetries shape economic interactions and has contributed to understanding sorting patterns in frictional markets. His recent work includes the 2024 American Economic Review paper on comparative statics in pairwise matching, which provides tools to analyze sorting without solving optimization problems explicitly. Earlier studies include foundational contributions to assortative matching (Econometrica, 2000) and nonstationary search models (2001). His research has been supported by continuous NSF grants since the 1990s. Scientific Awards: Governor General’s Gold Medal (Carleton University, top undergraduate) Smith has collaborated with notable economists such as Robert Shimer, Giuseppe Moscarini, and Jan Eeckhout. His methodological emphasis combines theoretical innovation with empirical relevance, as seen in his 2017 Journal of Economic Literature review. He actively engages in graduate pedagogy and maintains a focus on equilibrium feedback mechanisms.
Riitta Katila is the W.M. Keck Sr. Professor of Management Science & Engineering and Co-Director of the Stanford Technology Ventures Program at Stanford University. She serves as HAI Sabbatical Scholar at Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, combining technology strategy with organizational learning through mixed-methods research. Alfred P. Sloan Industry Studies Fellow Schendel Prize recipient Academy of Management Fellow Strategic Management Society Fellow Her research explores: Technology strategy and organizational change Digital platform regulation and ecosystems Decentralized decision-making AI ethics implementation Innovation through exploration-exploitation balance Recent publications focus on: Machine learning applications in strategy research Antitrust consequences for tech platforms AI ethics organizational challenges Competitive network analysis Public-private innovation dynamics Teaching highlights: MS&E 175 Innovation Creativity and Change MS&E 270 Strategy in Technology-Based Companies MS&E 376 Doctoral Course on Strategy Eugene L. Grant Teaching Award recipient
Dr. Todd Alamin is a Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. He serves as director of the Spine Surgery Fellowship Program and the Minimally Invasive Spine Center at Stanford Health Care Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. As a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon and spine specialist, Dr. Alamin has established himself as a global leader in innovative spine surgery techniques with decades of clinical experience. Dr. Alamin earned his medical degree from Yale School Of Medicine (1995), completed his Surgery Residency at UCSD (1996), Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at UCSD (2000), and a specialized Spine Fellowship at Stanford University (2001). He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (2003) and holds fellowship status with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Alamin's research program focuses on developing effective treatments for vertebral fractures, spinal deformities, scoliosis, herniated discs, and spondylolisthesis. His work explores nerve ablation techniques for chronic low back pain and motion-preserving lumbar fusion approaches. He has published over 65 peer-reviewed articles and written multiple book chapters on spine conditions. A recognized innovator, he has invented dozens of medical devices and techniques for spine surgery, holding numerous patents that have revolutionized back pain treatments worldwide. Analysis of Dr. Alamin's recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong research trajectory across multiple dimensions of spine care: optimizing surgical decision-making through understanding patient preferences, improving pain management protocols particularly regarding opioid use, advancing measurement technologies for spinal assessment, developing classification systems for spinal conditions, and refining surgical techniques including anterior approaches. His work consistently bridges clinical practice with rigorous scientific investigation to improve patient outcomes. Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS) As director of the Spine Surgery Fellowship Program, Dr. Alamin mentors the next generation of spine specialists, overseeing comprehensive training in both traditional and innovative surgical techniques. His leadership extends to the Minimally Invasive Spine Center, where he guides clinical practice and research initiatives. Dr. Alamin serves as principal investigator for multiple clinical trials exploring novel treatments for spinal conditions, with his patented innovations being adopted by physicians worldwide. His clinical practice focuses on minimally invasive approaches for spinal stenosis, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and traumatic injuries, emphasizing personalized care that combines extensive expertise with cutting-edge technology. Dr. Alamin leads a multidisciplinary team at the Minimally Invasive Spine Center, collaborating with specialists across departments to advance less invasive approaches to spinal surgery. His clinical focus spans minimally invasive spine surgery, cervical spine procedures, spinal tumor treatment, and correction of complex spinal deformities, with an emphasis on evidence-based approaches that maximize patient recovery while minimizing surgical trauma.
Annika Betken is an Assistant Professor in Mathematics of Operations Research. Her research focuses on advanced statistical methodologies including long-range dependence analysis, stochastic volatility modeling, and machine learning applications. Notable contributions include work on two-sample tests using Wilcoxon rank sums and label shift adaptation in neural networks. She actively engages in academic discourse through conference presentations and publications. Her recent research explores classification scenarios using kernel logistic regression and depth pattern analysis in time series. Betken has delivered invited talks on topics like class probability matching and change-point detection in time series analysis. Her work has been featured in peer-reviewed conferences and journals, contributing to 65 citations and an h-index of 5 as of 2025. Betken has collaborated internationally and contributed to the NAW article in February 2022. Her research spans theoretical advancements in statistical testing and practical implementations in adaptive machine learning systems.
Cristian Badarinza serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Real Estate at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School, where he holds appointments since January 2023. He maintains significant research affiliations as a Research Fellow of the Institute of Real Estate Studies and a Network Associate of the Centre for Economic Policy Research in London. His research focuses on the intersection of real estate markets and household financial decision-making, with particular emphasis on international comparative approaches. Key areas include: Capital structure decisions in household balance sheets Mortgage market dynamics and policy effects Foreign investment impacts on local real estate Behavioral aspects of housing finance Cross-country household financial systems Analyzing his publication record reveals consistent contributions to understanding housing market inefficiencies through behavioral lenses and international comparisons. His work frequently employs micro-level data harmonization across countries to identify systemic patterns in household finance, with increasing focus on emerging economies since 2017. The research demonstrates strong policy relevance, particularly regarding prudential housing regulations and financial vulnerability mitigation. His scientific recognition includes: Research Fellow of the Institute of Real Estate Studies Network Associate of the Centre for Economic Policy Research Media coverage in The Economist, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, and BBC for foreign investment research Dr. Badarinza actively contributes to the Initiative for International Comparative Household Finance, connecting global academics to establish international best practices in mortgage, pension, and risky asset markets. His teaching philosophy emphasizes technical skill development alongside real-world applications in real estate analytics, smart building technologies, and data-driven decision making. Current research extends into foreign investment location patterns and displacement effects associated with property ownership changes from local to foreign entities.
Yanan Xu serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences within Delaware State University's Division of Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science since 2022, following her Visiting Assistant Professor appointment from 2017-2022. Her academic foundation includes a Ph.D. (2017) and M.Sc. (2014) in Applied Mathematics from Delaware State University, complemented by an earlier M.Sc. from Inner Mongolia University (2012). Her research program centers on computational modeling of advanced materials, with three primary thrusts: ferroelectric thin film behaviors (particularly lead titanate systems), microbolometer thermal-electric simulation for infrared detection, and semiconductor material studies involving AlN compounds. This work bridges materials science, electrical engineering, and applied mathematics through sophisticated numerical analysis techniques. Publication trends since 2013 reveal an evolving focus from fundamental optical solitons in metamaterials (2013-2016) toward applied device engineering (2020-present), with recent efforts concentrating on pyroelectric thin films and microbolometer optimization. Her interdisciplinary approach consistently integrates physics-based modeling with practical engineering constraints. Dr. Xu has secured significant research funding including a $199,873 Air Force Research Lab grant for rare earth-doped HfO 2 ferroelectrics and a $236,000 DoD award for ellipsometer acquisition supporting thin film characterization. She serves as committee member for doctoral defenses (2023-2024) while coordinating undergraduate statistics and algebra courses. Her service portfolio includes Faculty Senate membership, Mathematical Sciences graduate/undergraduate committee roles, and judging FIRST Tech Challenges. Though no dedicated lab is documented, her instrumentation grants indicate active thin film characterization capabilities supporting student research training.
Dr. Chris Child is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at City, University of London, and currently serves as the Associate Dean for Employability and Engagement since 2020. He leads initiatives such as virtual internships, client-based projects, and the Last Mile training program in collaboration with Accenture. As a researcher, he focuses on AI-driven game agents, employing techniques like reinforcement learning and approximate dynamic programming. Additionally, he founded Childish Things Ltd., a computer game company, and pioneered City’s first Data Science apprenticeship program. His academic journey includes a PhD in Approximate Dynamic Programming from City, University of London (2011), alongside leadership in game development and industry-academia partnerships. His educational background encompasses a BSc in Computer Science and Software Engineering (University of Birmingham, 1993), MSc in Cognitive Science (University of Birmingham, 1994), and a PGDip in Academic Practice (City, University of London, 2004). Professional memberships include the British Computing Society and IEEE. Research interests center on intelligent agents for games, robotics, and healthcare applications. Notable projects include the Cricket Captain game series, virtual laparoscopic training tools, and emotion-based reward systems for AI agents. His work bridges academic research with industry, emphasizing practical applications of AI in gaming and education. Advising and grants are not explicitly detailed, but his role in apprenticeship development highlights his commitment to student employability. His company Childish Things Ltd. exemplifies full-stack game development expertise, from design to marketing. Future research aims to integrate agent research into commercial games and improve software engineering practices in gaming.
Tobias Bleifuß is a researcher affiliated with the Hasso Plattner Institute at the University of Potsdam, Germany. His work focuses on database systems, data management, and schema evolution. He has collaborated extensively with researchers like Felix Naumann and Divesh Srivastava on projects exploring functional dependencies, temporal data analysis, and data quality. Notable contributions include methodologies for discovering functional dependencies via hitting set enumeration and analyzing schema changes in Wikipedia tables. His research interests span theoretical computer science aspects of databases, practical data management challenges, and leveraging temporal data for semantic insights. Recent work emphasizes efficient algorithms for data exploration and maintaining data integrity in evolving schemas.
Stefano Spaccapietra is a professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) specializing in semantic modeling, geographic information systems, and spatio-temporal databases. A recipient of the 2012 Peter P. Chen Award, his research focuses on foundational aspects of data representation and knowledge engineering. His research explores: Semantic modeling for geospatial systems Multi-representation databases Trajectory data analysis and mobility patterns Ontology design for spatial information Temporal evolution in object-oriented systems Publication analysis reveals strong emphasis on: Fundamental theories of spatial and temporal representation Integration frameworks for heterogeneous systems Evolution of conceptual modeling approaches Spatio-temporal query processing techniques Awards & Honors: Peter P. Chen Award (2012) His work has significantly contributed to database integration methodologies and established foundations for modern geospatial data management systems through both theoretical frameworks and practical implementations.
David B. Solit, MD, is a Physician Scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center with leadership roles including Co-Director of the Marie-Josée & Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology and affiliations in the Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program , Department of Medicine , and Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School . His research focuses on genomic analysis of cancer mutations , therapeutic resistance mechanisms , and precision oncology applications . Education : MD from University of Pennsylvania Affiliations : Marie-Josée & Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program Department of Medicine Alan and Sandra Gerry Metastasis and Tumor Ecosystems Center Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Dr. Solit's work investigates lineage-specific cancer dependencies , including: Genomic drivers of bladder cancer progression Mechanisms of resistance to RAF/MEK inhibitors Homologous recombination deficiency in prostate cancer ERK and PARP inhibition strategies Molecular subtyping of urothelial carcinoma Circulating tumor DNA applications His research integrates whole genome sequencing and patient-derived models to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities. Recent publications analyze ctDNA applications in metastatic breast cancer, genomic predictors for urothelial staging, and lineage plasticity in drug target expression. Key trends show emphasis on translational genomics , biomarker discovery , and machine learning applications in cancer treatment. 2011 - Member, American Society for Clinical Investigation 2007 - Louise & Allston Boyer Young Investigator Award 2007 - Kimmel Scholar, Sidney Kimmel Foundation 2002 - ASCO Career Development Award 2001 - ASC Young Investigator Award 2001 - Doris Duke Translational Award 2000 - NIH Clinical Scholars Research Fellow Dr. Solit leads a multidisciplinary team including lab members in genomic analysis , computational biology , and clinical research . His lab maintains collaborations with institutions for global access to genomic profiling in rare cancers and participates in molecular tumor boards for clinical implementation of genomic data.
Dr. Kexuan Xin is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Queensland (2023), Master's in Computer Science from the University of Queensland (2018), and Bachelor's in Information Engineering from South China University of Technology (2016). Her research focuses on knowledge graphs, natural language processing, and large language models with applications in bioinformatics and health informatics. She conducted postdoctoral research at UIUC collaborating with the biology department, applying NLP techniques to biological domain challenges. Education: PhD in Computer Science, University of Queensland (2018–2023) MSc in Computer Science, University of Queensland (2017–2018) BEng in Information Engineering, South China University of Technology (2012–2016) Research Interests: Knowledge graph construction and alignment NLP applications in biomedical domains Entity alignment and disambiguation Temporal knowledge graph modeling AI-driven health informatics systems Recent Research Trends: Her work spans advancements in entity alignment techniques (e.g., TEA: time-aware entity alignment), bioinformatics applications (gene-metabolite prediction), and AI coaching systems for occupational safety. Her publications reflect expertise in scalable KG integration, graph embeddings, and context-aware modeling. Awards: Dean’s Award for Outstanding HDR Theses (2023) Best Paper Nomination at PERSUASIVE 2025 Dean’s Commendation for Academic Excellence (2017) Best Project Award (2017) Collaborations & Projects: Leads the Fujitsu Macquarie AI Research Lab (2023–2027), focusing on AI applications in health and technology. Actively collaborates across disciplines, including biology and urban informatics.
Francesco Grossetti is Assistant Professor of Accounting Analytics and Data Science at Bocconi University, with a Ph.D. in Applied and Computational Statistics from Politecnico di Milano. His research develops computational approaches for analyzing corporate disclosures using NLP and computer vision techniques, with additional focus on blockchain implications for accounting practices. His interdisciplinary work bridges financial mathematics, stochastic modeling, and accounting innovation. Research examines volatility modeling calibration puzzles, textual characteristics in financial reports, blockchain accounting applications, and corporate governance language patterns. Methodologies include machine learning, entropy-based calibration, and sports analytics for tournament fairness. Recent projects include EXECML (analyzing executive compensation disclosures via machine learning) and multi-modal corporate communication studies. He serves on editorial boards for Finance & Stochastics, SIAM Journal on Financial Mathematics, and Quantitative Finance, reflecting his cross-disciplinary expertise.
Fabio BERTONI is a Professor at SKEMA Business School (France), specializing in corporate finance, entrepreneurial finance, and fintech. He is affiliated with SKEMA's Fintech Initiative, FAIRR Research Center, and Innovation Academy. His research focuses on venture capital ecosystems, corporate governance, and policy instruments for SMEs. Education : PhD in Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering (Politecnico di Milano, 2004) MIT Certificate in Blockchain Technologies (2018) CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst, 2015) CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst, 2005) Research Interests : BERTONI's work examines venture capital's role in innovation, government financial instruments for SMEs, board governance in IPOs, and cross-border private equity investments. He has explored topics such as loan guarantees' long-term impacts, board independence thresholds, and the strategic reallocation of IPO shares. Advising & Grants : He has supervised PhD theses at SKEMA, EM Lyon, and the University of Sydney. His grants and consulting include work with the CFA Institute and peer-review roles at top finance journals. He served as Associate Dean for Research at EM Lyon (2017-2019). Affiliations : Editorial board member for Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice Reviewer for 15+ finance and management journals Active contributor to policy discussions on venture capital and fintech
A. Nilesh Fernando is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Notre Dame and a faculty affiliate at the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at MIT, as well as an affiliate of the Bureau for Research and Economic Analysis of Development (BREAD). His research focuses on labor market frictions, agricultural technology adoption in South Asia, and development economics. He holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University and a B.A. from Hampshire College. His work has been featured in leading journals such as the Economic Journal , American Economic Review-Insights , and Journal of Development Economics , and has been covered by media outlets including The Hindu , Financial Times , and Harvard Business Review . Education: Ph.D., Harvard University, 2015 B.A., Hampshire College, 2007 Research Interests: Dr. Fernando’s work examines how structural and institutional factors influence labor markets and technology adoption. He investigates issues such as migration patterns following natural disasters, the role of online platforms in reducing hiring frictions, and the socio-economic impacts of inherited land ownership in agricultural economies. His studies often combine field experiments with rigorous econometric analysis to inform policy design. Awards and Media: While no formal awards are listed, his research has attracted significant media attention, reflecting its societal relevance. His findings on cricket peer dynamics and Gulf migration outcomes exemplify his ability to bridge theoretical frameworks with real-world applications. Advising and Grants: No specific advising or grant details are provided in the texts, though his affiliations with J-PAL and BREAD suggest involvement in collaborative research initiatives. Labs and Teams: His affiliations with J-PAL and BREAD indicate participation in interdisciplinary teams focused on evidence-based poverty reduction strategies and development economics.
Craig Harms is an Honorary Lecturer at Edith Cowan University’s School of Arts and Humanities. He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from ECU (2007) and has prior experience as a teacher of Physical, Health, and Outdoor Education. In addition to academia, he works as a Clinical Psychologist in private practice and previously at the Western Australian Institute of Sport. His research focuses on mental health, emotion regulation, resilience, and the psychological aspects of sports performance and athlete well-being. Professional Memberships: Australian Psychological Society (APS), APS College of Clinical Psychologists, Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA), and others. Awards: 2011 APS Award for contributions to clinical psychology. Research interests include trans-diagnostic risk factors (e.g., emotion dysregulation), protective factors like resilience, and the mental health of athletes. He has led projects on athlete psychological responses to the pandemic and the health benefits of football programs. His work also involves developing psychometric scales, such as the Protective Factors for Resilience Scale (PFRS). Recent publications span combat sports psychology, dietary impacts on mental health, and sports performance analysis. He has supervised multiple PhD/Master’s students on topics like adolescent development in sports, autism spectrum disorder, and childfree attitudes.
