Guirong Yan is an Assistant Professor at Missouri University of Science and Technology, affiliated with the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering. Her research focuses on structural engineering , wind engineering , and disaster resilience , with particular emphasis on tornado impact analysis, typhoon wind field modeling, and community recovery frameworks. Research interests include: Tornado-structure interaction using CFD simulations Surface roughness and terrain effects on extreme wind dynamics Community resilience modeling for post-disaster recovery Solitary wave energetics in coastal engineering 3D concrete printing for resilient infrastructure Windborne debris and wind tunnel validation Key article trends show computational fluid dynamics applications to tornado and typhoon hazards , wind-structure interaction , and community recovery mechanisms . Her work bridges engineering simulation , disaster risk assessment , and policy-relevant resilience strategies .
Dr. Abolghasem Sadeghi-Niaraki is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Sejong University's College of Engineering, where he has served since 2017. He leads the eXtended Reality (XR) Research Center and holds a Research Professor position at the Super-Realistic XR Technology Research Center (2022-2030). Previously, he was an Assistant Professor at INHA University's Department of Geo-Informatics Engineering (2009-2017). Recently appointed as a Fellow at Harvard University's Spatial Data Lab (SDL), he conducts collaborative research in spatiotemporal data analytics and geo-AI. Dr. Sadeghi-Niaraki's research spans Geo-AI, XR technologies, Machine Learning, Metaverse applications, and IoT. His work focuses on applying AI to geospatial problems, developing immersive technologies for education and cultural heritage, and creating predictive models for natural hazards. He has secured significant funding for XR Metaverse research from the Ministry of Science and ICT, focusing on Real-Virtual integration. His interdisciplinary approach combines computer science with environmental science, urban planning, healthcare, and education. His research portfolio demonstrates strong trends in geospatial AI applications for environmental monitoring, particularly in natural hazard prediction (floods, wildfires, earthquakes), as well as innovative educational applications of VR/AR. Recent work shows increasing integration of large language models with immersive technologies and a growing focus on healthcare applications within virtual environments. Dr. Sadeghi-Niaraki has received significant recognition including: Top 2% Scientist Worldwide (Stanford-Elsevier 2024) Fellow at Harvard SDL, Center for Geographic Analysis Australian Endeavour Fellowship Recipient Member of IEEE & AAG (American Association of Geographers) He has led over $9.3 million in research funding, supervised 40+ Master's and 6+ Ph.D. students, and collaborated with 14 universities across 8 countries in immersive technology development. His laboratory work centers on the eXtended Reality Research Center at Sejong University, where his team develops patented methods for context-aware AR/VR systems applied to tourism, cultural heritage, and smart city planning.
Southern Connecticut State UniversityUnited States
Robert A. Smith, Jr., JD, MBA, is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Management and International Business at Southern Connecticut State University’s School of Business. He practices law in Connecticut and the Federal District Court, integrating over two decades of legal and business experience into his teaching. Education: Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Business Administration (MBA) Research Interests include employment law, data privacy, business ethics, and sustainability. His work explores intersections of legal compliance, workplace dynamics, and ethical governance. Recent Publications span AI regulation, gender in entrepreneurship, disaster management, and workplace ethics. Collaborations with colleagues like K. S. Badr and A. E. Wall highlight interdisciplinary approaches. Grants include funding for case book projects and employment law research. He presents at conferences such as the International Academy of Business Disciplines and American Society for Competitiveness.
Tom Dyson is an Area Specialized Agent in Agromedicine at NC State University's Cooperative Extension Service, serving Gaston County Center and 100 additional counties including Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Based at 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy, Dallas, NC 28034, he focuses on agricultural health and safety across diverse domains. Contact: tom_dyson@ncsu.edu | (828) 465-8240 | (704) 740-2006 Service Area: 100 NC counties including Alamance, Buncombe, Mecklenburg, and Wake Research Interests: Agricultural Safety (chainsaw protocols, pesticide handling, disaster response) Invasive Species Management (spotted lanternflies, fire ants) Plant Health & Diagnostics (late blight, azalea deficiencies) Community Agriculture Initiatives (public gardens, workshops) Recent Publication Trends: 15+ articles spanning 2017-2023 address practical agricultural safety measures, invasive pest control, plant disease diagnostics, and community horticulture programs. Topics range from chainsaw safety to spotted lanternfly mitigation, with emphasis on actionable field solutions. Community Engagement: Coordinates multiple agricultural outreach programs including: 4-H Youth Development (Real Money, Embryology, School Gardening) Volunteer Networks (Master Gardener℠, Master Food Volunteers) Environmental Stewardship (Fire Ant Bait Spreader Program, Farmland Protection Plan)
Hossein Ataei serves as Clinical Professor and Director of both the Undergraduate Studies and Construction Engineering and Management Program within the Civil, Materials, and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Illinois Chicago's College of Engineering. A registered Professional Engineer in multiple US states and Canadian provinces, he brings extensive industry experience from global engineering-procurement-construction firms to his academic roles. His educational background includes a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern California, complemented by Master of Business Administration from Concordia University, Master of Construction Management, and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from USC, plus a Bachelor of Science from Sharif University of Technology. This multidisciplinary foundation supports his research in construction management, forensic engineering, and professional ethics. Ataei's scholarly work demonstrates strong focus on construction claims resolution, pandemic impacts on infrastructure projects, and sustainable building practices. His recent publications increasingly integrate machine learning with traditional construction management challenges, particularly in dispute prediction and energy efficiency optimization. This evolving research trajectory reflects industry shifts toward data-driven decision making while maintaining core commitments to ethical practice and risk management. His scientific recognition includes being named 2021 Construction Engineering Person of the Year by ASCE Illinois Section and receiving multiple UIC College of Engineering teaching and advising awards. Additional honors comprise the Harold A. Simon Award for Teaching Excellence and several University-wide teaching recognition awards. Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (F.ASCE) 2021 Construction Engineering Person of the Year Award (ASCE-IL) 2022 Harold A. Simon Award for Teaching Excellence Multiple UIC Teaching and Advising Awards (2018-2024) 2017 Dean's Award for Excellence in Engineering Education As ABET Accreditation Program Evaluator for Civil and Construction Engineering programs, Ataei significantly contributes to educational standards nationwide. His leadership extends to ASCE national committees where he co-chairs major conferences and serves on forensic engineering and claims resolution subcommittees, demonstrating sustained commitment to advancing both academic and professional practice standards. Through the Construction Management Association of America UIC Chapter and active industry consulting, Ataei maintains strong connections between academic research and real-world infrastructure challenges, particularly in construction claims management and forensic investigation of structural failures.
David Nitsch serves as Assistant Professor and Program Director for the Emergency and Disaster Management Master of Science program at Thomas Jefferson University's East Fall Campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His educational background includes a PhD (All But Dissertation) in Public Policy with foreign policy focus from Liberty University (2023), a Master of Science in Public Health from American Military University (2016), and National Registry Paramedic certification. Research expertise spans emergency management systems, disaster response protocols, and vulnerabilities of displaced populations. His work integrates public health preparedness with security operations, informed by extensive field experience in high-risk environments including Iraq and Afghanistan. He maintains active engagement with international medical service teams addressing underserved populations. As Program Director, he oversees curriculum development and academic operations for the MS program. Prior leadership roles include Director of the Bureau of Technological Hazards at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and medical team leadership positions with state emergency response units.
Dr. Abi Nazari Geykli serves as Assistant Professor in the Applied Engineering & Technology Management Department at Indiana State University's Bailey College of Engineering & Technology since August 2024. Previously, he held postdoctoral positions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2024) and University of Memphis (2022). His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Civil/Hydrotechnical Engineering, Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction (2014) M.S. in Civil/Water Resources Engineering, Sharif University of Technology (2003) B.S. in Agricultural Engineering (Water Resource Engineering), University of Tabriz (2000) Specializing in Water Resources Engineering , his research integrates hydrologic-hydraulic modeling with machine learning to address climate change impacts, urbanization effects, and flood risk. Key focus areas include groundwater recharge mechanisms , contaminant transport , and sustainable infrastructure resilience , leveraging AI/remote sensing for environmental solutions. His methodology bridges theoretical principles with real-world applications in watershed management. Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals consistent emphasis on urban hydrology challenges, particularly flood modeling using multivariable ML approaches (2023), aquifer recharge under land-use changes (2023), and deep learning for streamflow prediction (2025). This demonstrates an evolving trajectory toward data-driven solutions for climate-urbanization interactions in water systems. Current research initiatives include: Principal Investigator: $7,500 project on Vigo County flood/pollutant transport (2025-2028) Principal Investigator: $4,154 Terre Haute wastewater management study using SWAT+ modeling (2025-2026) Co-PI: $4,708 nanocomposites materials research (2025-2026) He also serves as peer reviewer for ASCE Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, Ain Shams Engineering Journal, and other prominent publications.
Md Tanvir Pavel serves as an Assistant Professor of Economics within the Department of Economics, College of Humanities, Social Science, and Arts at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. His academic profile integrates teaching excellence with research focused on critical environmental economic challenges. Dr. Pavel's educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Economics, Florida International University (2018) Master of Arts in Economics, Eastern Illinois University (2012) His research program centers on environmental and natural resource economics, with particular emphasis on human responses to ecological stressors. Key investigations analyze migration patterns triggered by environmental shocks and household decision-making regarding coastal vulnerability adaptation. This work bridges theoretical microeconomic frameworks with real-world policy applications, demonstrating consistent methodological rigor in applied econometric analysis. Recent publications reveal a cohesive trajectory examining climate adaptation mechanisms through microeconomic lenses. The scholarship systematically explores socioeconomic dimensions of environmental change, with growing emphasis on policy-relevant insights for disaster management and resource allocation. Professional recognition includes: Broad Fellowship Award (2017-2018) from SIPA, Florida International University Dr. Pavel actively mentors undergraduate economics students while contributing to curriculum development in microeconomics and environmental economics. His research program continues to evolve through university-supported scholarly activities, building upon foundational fellowship training. As a core faculty member, he participates in departmental initiatives advancing economic education within Rose-Hulman's distinctive engineering-focused academic environment.
Katerina Tsetsura is Gaylord Family Professor of Public Relations and Strategic Communication at the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Oklahoma. She holds affiliate faculty positions across multiple university programs including OADII, ICAST, IREES, SES Multidisciplinary Certificate Program, M.A. in Global Affairs, M.S. in Engineering Leadership and Management, and the Romanoff Center for Russian Studies. Her educational background includes a PhD from Purdue University, an MS from Fort Hays State University, and a Specialist with Diploma from Voronezh State University in Russia. PhD, Purdue University MS, Fort Hays State University Specialist with Diploma, Voronezh State University, Russia Dr. Tsetsura is internationally recognized for her work in global public relations and media transparency. Her research focuses on knowledge societies in transition, global public relations development, public relations ethics, media transparency, public diplomacy, government relations, and community resilience. She has authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications and two major books: 'Transparency, public relations, and the mass media' (2017) and 'Strategic Communications in Russia: Public Relations and Advertising' (2021). Her recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a diverse research portfolio spanning renewable energy policy in Native American communities, crisis communication in Eastern Europe, youth information behavior on social media, resistance to conspiracy propaganda, Indigenous Sámi news sources, and Russian political discourse. These works reflect her transdisciplinary approach connecting public relations, political communication, cultural studies, and environmental issues. 2018 PRSA Educator of the Year Recipient Dr. Tsetsura serves as co-PI on the NSF Growing Convergence Research grant (2023-2028, $3.6 million) studying carbon-free hydrogen production and storage, and as senior personnel on the NSF NRT research program DIANA ($3 million, 2025-2030) addressing transdisciplinary graduate education challenges. She has previously served as co-PI on the NSF RANGE project (2022-2025) and consults for the U.S. Department of State and United Nations. She is also a member of the invitation-only Arthur W. Page Society. Her professional service includes leadership roles in academic associations, editorial board memberships for major communication journals, and active participation in the U.S. Commission on Public Relations Education.
Tarek Abdoun is the Program Head of Civil and Urban Engineering and Professor of Civil and Urban Engineering at NYU Abu Dhabi, holding a Global Network Professor position at NYU Tandon. He is also the Thomas Iovino Chair Professor and Director of Renssela Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Geo-Centrifuge Center. His academic career spans over two decades with appointments at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he progressed from Assistant Professor to Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education. Dr. Abdoun received his PhD from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York. His academic journey at RPI began in 1998 as an Assistant Professor and Manager of the Geo-Centrifuge Research Center, advancing through the ranks to become Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education by 2011. Professor Abdoun's research spans multiple critical areas in geotechnical engineering, with particular focus on soil dynamics and earthquake engineering. His work encompasses geotechnical systems and soil-structure interaction, Geo-Centrifuge & full-scale testing methodologies, and AI sensor-based infrastructure health monitoring. He has made significant contributions to understanding soil liquefaction, hurricane loading effects, and offshore systems. His innovative approach integrates advanced field monitoring techniques with satellite-based InSAR remote sensing to develop comprehensive assessment tools for civil infrastructure. His extensive publication record of over 200 technical papers demonstrates consistent high-impact research, with recent work focusing on centrifuge modeling of soil liquefaction phenomena, geotechnical aspects of flood protection systems, and innovative educational approaches using serious gaming in engineering education. The research shows a clear trajectory toward integrating traditional geotechnical methods with advanced sensing and computational techniques. Professor Abdoun has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing both his research and teaching excellence: ASCE Thomas A. Middlebrooks Award (2017, 2018) - top ASCE geotechnical paper prize ASCE Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize (2009) US Army "Commander's Award and Medal for Public Service" ASEE "Outstanding Teaching Award" (2016) RPI Board of Trustees' "Outstanding Teacher Award" (2012) Wharton-QS Stars Reimagine Education Bronze Award (2015) As an educator, Professor Abdoun has mentored numerous students through courses such as Geotechnical Engineering, Solid Mechanics, and his innovative "Gamified Learning" course that explores the intersection of video games, education, and social impact. His research program has secured substantial funding, with his lab consistently ranking among the top School of Engineering faculty with more than $1M in research expenditures for multiple fiscal years. His work with the Hurricane Katrina Interagency Performance Evaluation Task Force significantly contributed to understanding levee failures during the disaster. Professor Abdoun directs the RPI Geo-Centrifuge Center, a state-of-the-art facility that has played a crucial role in physical modeling of soil liquefaction and other geotechnical phenomena. His leadership extends to international collaborations, having consulted with organizations including General Electric, US Army Corps of Engineers, and South Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology on centrifuge facility design.
Mill Etienne, M.D., M.P.H., FAAN, FAES, serves as Vice Chancellor for Campus Engagement and Associate Dean for Student Affairs at New York Medical College's School of Medicine. He is also an Associate Professor of Neurology and Medicine, directing the "Multiculturalism in Medicine" and "Impact of War on Medicine" electives for fourth-year medical students. Dr. Etienne additionally serves as director of neurology at WMCHealth's Good Samaritan Hospital and is a visiting scholar at the National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care at Tuskegee University. Dr. Etienne's educational background includes: M.D. from New York Medical College (2002) M.P.H. from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health B.A. from Yale University Neurology Residency at Neurological Institute of New York, Columbia University Fellowships in Epilepsy, Clinical Neurophysiology, and Neuroepidemiology from Columbia University and NIH As a board-certified specialist in neurology, epilepsy, clinical neurophysiology, brain injury medicine, and public health, Dr. Etienne's research spans multiple domains of neurological care. His work particularly focuses on disaster medicine, healthcare access, representation in medicine, and the intersection of public health with neurological conditions. With expertise in both clinical practice and public health policy, his research addresses critical gaps in neurological care delivery across diverse populations and emergency contexts. Analysis of Dr. Etienne's recent publications reveals a strong focus on healthcare disparities, AI applications in medicine, neurological aspects of disaster response, and specialized neurological conditions including epilepsy and brain injury. His work demonstrates increasing emphasis on AI integration in healthcare, health equity issues, and the neurological implications of public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Etienne has received significant recognition for his contributions: 2024 American Academy of Neurology DEI Changemaker Award 2024 American Medical Association Dedication to the Profession Award Multiple teaching awards at New York Medical College Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, American Neurological Association, and American Epilepsy Society As an active educator and mentor, Dr. Etienne has guided numerous medical students through specialized electives on multiculturalism and the impact of war on medicine. His military service as a Captain in the U.S. Navy, including deployment during the Haiti earthquake response and the COVID-19 pandemic, has informed his approach to medical education and disaster response training. He serves as executive officer of the USNS Comfort Reserve unit and has held leadership positions including past president of the New York State Neurological Society. Dr. Etienne maintains active roles in multiple professional organizations and serves as a visiting scholar at the National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care at Tuskegee University. His work bridges clinical neurology, public health, military medicine, and medical ethics, creating a unique interdisciplinary approach to neurological care and education.
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUnited States
Virginia France is an Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Illinois, a position she has held since 1988. She has held previous roles including Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago (1993–1994), Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (1986–1988), and Lecturer/Instructor roles at the University of Chicago and UIC. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Chicago (1986) and a B.A. in Economics from Swarthmore College (1977). Her research focuses on financial regulation, futures markets, and the industrial organization of derivatives markets. Key areas include collateral decisions in clearinghouses, catastrophe risk pricing, and regulatory frameworks for financial institutions. Teaching interests include portfolio management and derivatives. Recent work examines legal constraints on central bank liquidity support for central counterparties (2016), while earlier studies explored catastrophe futures as insurance hedges (1992–1997), speculative behavior in commodity markets (2002), and collateral management practices (1995–1998). No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed. She has advised no named students, and no lab affiliations are mentioned. Her work spans theoretical and applied research on financial market structures and regulatory mechanisms.
Kenneth W Wisian is a Lecturer in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin. He concurrently serves as Associate Director of the Environmental Division at the Bureau of Economic Geology, a Research Scientist at the Center for Space Research (Cockrell School of Engineering), and holds affiliations with the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. His roles include leadership in geothermal energy research, disaster response, and space exploration. Educational Background: Wisian earned a Ph.D. in Geophysics from Southern Methodist University, an M.S. in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, an M.S. in Geology from Centenary College, and a B.A. in Physics from The University of Texas at Austin. His military career includes service as a Major General in the U.S. Air Force, specializing in reconnaissance, combat leadership, and test piloting. Research Focus: Wisian’s primary research revolves around geothermal systems for electricity generation, with additional emphases on infrastructure resilience, disaster management, autonomy/drones, applied gravity studies, planetary geology, and space exploration policy. His work bridges geoscience, defense strategy, and international relations, with contributions to AI applications in crisis leadership and extraterrestrial intelligence studies. Publications & Impact: His recent articles address geothermal resource assessments, heat flow data standardization, and machine learning applications in geothermal well analysis. He also explores interdisciplinary topics like planetary geothermal systems and protocols for extraterrestrial contact, drawing lessons from global crises like the pandemic. Awards & Recognition: Wisian has been awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal for military service, and is a Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society. His contributions span academic, defense, and space exploration domains, reflecting his cross-disciplinary expertise. Teaching & Leadership: He teaches courses such as “Life in the Universe” and has instructed military history and leadership. Wisian’s leadership roles include commanding the 147th Reconnaissance Wing and directing disaster response efforts for hurricanes and the Space Shuttle Columbia incident. Labs & Collaborations: He participates in the Center for Planetary Systems Habitability and collaborates across institutions to advance geothermal energy, planetary science, and space policy initiatives.
R.P. Kingsly Ambrose is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering at Purdue University, where he also serves as a University Faculty Scholar. His research focuses on particle technology applications in food, pharmaceutical, and biological process engineering, with an emphasis on powder flow, dust explosion prevention, and process modeling. He leads the Center for Particulate Products and Processes (CP3), equipped with advanced facilities like particle characterization tools (Malvern Morphologi G3-ID), a powder rheometer, and pilot-scale hoppers. His work addresses challenges in grain handling, safety, and sustainable agricultural practices. Recent projects include developing hermetic storage solutions, optimizing fertilizer design, and enhancing grain drying technologies. Ambrose collaborates with industry and academia to advance food safety, agricultural efficiency, and disaster mitigation strategies. His contributions span over 100 peer-reviewed publications and include innovations in dust monitoring systems and granular material behavior modeling.
Lin Liu is an Assistant Professor in Criminology & Law at the University of Florida, specializing in corrections, reentry, and the application of machine learning in social science research. She holds a Ph.D. in criminology and an M.S. in statistics from the University of Delaware. Her work focuses on justice-involved youth and adults, exploring topics like reentry challenges, mental health, and program evaluations of criminal justice interventions. She has contributed to large-scale research projects in Florida, including studies on employment, mental health, and policing strategies. Her research interests include developmental criminology, intersectionality, and the use of data science in addressing systemic disparities. Notable projects examine the impact of procedural justice on recidivism, the mental health of confined youth during the pandemic, and the dynamics of peer influence across genders and ages. Lin has published widely in top journals such as Crime & Delinquency , Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice , and Prevention Science , with a focus on criminal justice reform, social support systems, and the intersection of technology and criminology.
