Carolin Pflueger is an Associate Professor at the Harris School of Public Policy , University of Chicago, and holds affiliations as a NBER Faculty Research Fellow and CEPR Research Affiliate . Her work bridges macroeconomics and finance, focusing on inflation dynamics, monetary policy impacts, and financial market risk perception. University: University of Chicago School: Harris School of Public Policy Affiliations: NBER, CEPR Role: Associate Professor Her research explores how inflation and monetary policy influence financial markets, including models connecting Treasury bond risk to stagflation drivers and analyzing economic agents' perceptions of policy uncertainty. Recent work leverages cross-sectional data of stock prices and economic forecasts to quantify macrofinancial linkages. Notable scientific recognitions include the Fama DFA Prize (2023), AQR Insight Award Finalist (2018), and the Arthur Warga Award (2014). She has received NSF Grant 2149193 for macrofinance research. Contact: cpflueger@uchicago.edu | GitHub Code Repositories
Heather Knight is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Oregon State University, part of the College of Engineering. Her research focuses on social robotics and human-robot interaction, emphasizing non-verbal communication and the design of non-anthropomorphic robots. She directs the CHARISMA Research Lab, which applies principles from performing arts to enhance robot charisma through expressive motion and interaction design. Dr. Knight holds a Ph.D. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University (2016), and dual M.S. degrees in Robotics (Carnegie Mellon) and Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (MIT, 2008), alongside a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from MIT (2006). She also leads Marilyn Monrobot, a robot theater company producing comedic performances and an annual Robot Film Festival. Her work bridges technical innovation with societal impact, exploring how robots can better communicate intent through motion and interaction. Notable contributions include the 'Sanitizerbot' project for playful public health support and the development of Laban-based motion frameworks for expressive robotics. Awards include being named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 in Science (2011) and her TED talk on robot comedy. Key Research Themes: Multi-robot formations, expressive motion design, human-robot social dynamics, and ethical integration of AI in robotics. Recent Projects: VR storytelling with social robots, service robots in workplace environments, and motion-based affective communication. Her articles span topics from robot humor generation to industrial light communication systems, reflecting a commitment to both foundational research and applied solutions for human-robot coexistence.
Benjamin Born serves as Professor of Macroeconomics at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and Research Director at the ifo Institute. He is a Research Fellow at CEPR and CESifo, advises the European Commission's DG ECFIN, serves on the European Parliament's Expert Group on Monetary Policy, and sits on the CEPR–EABCN Euro Area Business Cycle Dating Committee. Starting in September 2025, he will join the University of Bonn as Professor of Macroeconomics. Education PhD in Economics, 2011, University of Bonn, Germany MSc in Econometrics and Economics, 2007, University of York, UK BA/MA in Economics, 2006, University of Siegen, Germany Professor Born's research focuses on business cycles, fiscal and monetary policy, heterogeneous agent models, and empirical methods in macroeconomics. His work bridges theoretical modeling with empirical analysis, often using innovative data sources including firm surveys and social media data. He has made significant contributions to understanding how monetary policy affects different segments of the economy, how fiscal policy transmits through various channels, and how firms form expectations about the future. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward analyzing heterogeneous effects in macroeconomics, particularly examining how different groups (firms, workers, consumers) respond differently to economic shocks and policies. His work increasingly incorporates social media data and novel survey methodologies to capture real-time economic behavior. A significant portion of his research addresses policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, including fiscal stimulus packages and lockdown effects. Professor Born is actively involved in the academic community, serving on the editorial boards of the Journal of Monetary Economics and the European Economic Review. He regularly organizes major academic conferences including the BASEforHANK Winterschool and the ifo Conference on Macroeconomics and Survey Data. Teaching and Supervision Currently teaches Macroeconomics II (first-year Ph.D. course at BGSE) Has taught Macroeconomics and Econometrics at all levels Supervises theses in macroeconomics and applied econometrics
Sebastian Kube is a Professor of Behavioral and Experimental Economics at the University of Bonn, Germany. He holds concurrent positions as Senior Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Public Goods, Research Fellow at the Institute for the Future of Labor (IZA), and Vice Director of the BonnEconLab. He also coordinates the European Doctoral Program in Quantitative Economics and serves on multiple editorial/research boards. University of Bonn Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) BonnEconLab European Doctoral Program in Quantitative Economics His experimental research examines social preferences , cooperation mechanisms , incentive design , and norm enforcement . Key areas include: how remuneration schemes affect workplace cooperation, the effectiveness of social sanctions in social dilemmas, and the psychological foundations of environmental behavior. Recent work explores trust communication strategies for maintaining cooperation, information asymmetry effects in group dynamics, and incentive reversal phenomena where higher rewards paradoxically reduce effort. His 2025 publications particularly focus on sanction removal strategies and environmental behavior. Scientific Awards: Excellence in Teaching Award (2017, 2016, 2015, 2012) IZA Young Labor Economist Award (2011) Etienne-Laspeyres Prize (2011) Heinz Sauermann Prize (2004) As Vice Director of BonnEconLab, he oversees experimental infrastructure for economic research. His methodological approach combines field experiments with laboratory studies , often using behavioral game theory frameworks. He has published extensively in top journals including American Economic Review , Journal of Public Economics , and Management Science .
Jiang Wang is the Mizuho Financial Group Professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management, where he has been a faculty member since 1990, progressing from Assistant Professor to his current named professorship. He holds appointments in the Finance department and maintains an active research program in financial economics. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management (2005-present) MIT Sloan School of Management: Assistant Professor (1990-1994), Associate Professor (1994-1998), Professor (1998-1999), NTU Professor (1999-2005) Wang's research focuses on financial economics, asset pricing, market liquidity, trading volume, and financial market microstructure , with significant contributions to understanding information dynamics in markets. His work bridges theoretical models with empirical analysis, particularly in Chinese capital markets. Wang has developed influential theories on liquidity, trading volume, and market efficiency that have shaped modern financial economics. His recent publications demonstrate continued scholarly productivity, with research spanning market uncertainty, circuit breakers, repo markets, and Chinese financial markets. Wang's work integrates theoretical modeling with empirical validation, maintaining relevance to both academic discourse and practical market concerns. China Economics Prizes (2018) Smith Breeden Prize (2007, 2006) New York Stock Exchange Award FAME Research Prize (2004) Trefftz Award, Western Finance Association (1990) Wang has advised numerous doctoral students and supervised significant research projects, though specific student names aren't listed in the available materials. His extensive grant history includes multiple NSF awards and industry-sponsored research. Wang has held leadership positions including President of the Western Finance Association (2017-2018) and Director of the China Center for Financial Research at Tsinghua University (2002-2014). His academic service includes editorial roles for major finance journals and advisory positions with institutions including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Nasdaq Stock Market, and China Securities Regulatory Commission.
Aggelos Kiayias FRSE is Chair in Cyber Security and Privacy and Director of the Blockchain Technology Laboratory at the University of Edinburgh. He is also Chief Scientist at blockchain technology company Input Output. His academic work spans over two decades with more than 200 publications in cryptography, blockchain, and security. Dr. Kiayias received his Ph.D. from the City University of New York and was an undergraduate at the University of Athens Mathematics department. His research focuses on computer security, privacy, applied cryptography, and foundations of cryptography with particular emphasis on blockchain technologies, distributed systems, e-voting, secure multiparty protocols, and identity management. His recent work demonstrates continued innovation across multiple dimensions of blockchain technology, with publications spanning theoretical foundations, practical implementations, economic modeling, and privacy-preserving techniques. The research output shows strong emphasis on security analysis, consensus protocols, transaction processing, and economic incentives within decentralized systems. His work bridges theoretical cryptography with real-world blockchain applications. Among his notable recognitions are an ERC Starting Grant, Marie Curie fellowship, NSF Career Award, Fulbright Fellowship, election as Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2021, and the BCS Lovelace Medal in 2024. He has served as program chair for major conferences including the Cryptographers' Track of RSA (2011), Financial Cryptography (2017), Real World Crypto Symposium (2020), and Public-Key Cryptography Conference (2020), and as general chair of Eurocrypt 2013. Professor Kiayias has supervised over 20 PhD students, many of whom have gone on to academic positions at institutions including Imperial College, Stanford University, Royal Holloway University London, University of Glasgow, University of Sydney, and Virginia Commonwealth University. His current advisees include Yu Shen, Amirreza Sarencheh, and Christina Ovezik with expected graduations between 2025-2026. He leads the Blockchain Technology Laboratory at the University of Edinburgh and is involved in several major blockchain research projects including Panoramix and Fentec. His research has received significant funding from the European Union (Horizon 2020, ERC), UK research councils (EPSRC), US agencies (NSF, DHS, NIST), and Greek research bodies.
Min Zhou is a Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Asian American Studies at UCLA, and Director of the UCLA Asia Pacific Center. She holds the Walter & Shirley Wang Endowed Chair in U.S.-China Relations and Communications. A member of both the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, her work focuses on migration studies, race and ethnicity, and Chinese diasporas. She previously directed the UCLA Asian American Studies Department (2001-2005) and served as Tan Lark Sye Chair Professor at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2013-2016). Her research explores transnationalism, immigrant entrepreneurship, ethnic supplementary education, and China’s internal migration dynamics. Notable publications include Chinatown (1992), The Asian American Achievement Paradox (2015), and Contemporary Chinese Diasporas (2017). She has received major awards such as the 2017 ASA Distinguished Career Award and the 2016 Bourdieu Prize for sociology of education. Education: Ph.D., Sociology, State University of New York at Albany Key Grants: Russell Sage Foundation grants (2005-09), Singapore Ministry of Education Tier 2 grant (2016-21) Labs/Teams: Directs the UCLA Asia Pacific Center; collaborates with global scholars on projects like 'Immigration and Integration in the Pacific Rim'
Julian Jara-Ettinger is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Computer Science at Yale University. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT (2016). His research focuses on understanding the cognitive and computational mechanisms underlying human social behavior, including fairness, linguistic communication, gesture, moral reasoning, and pedagogy. He employs interdisciplinary methods such as computational modeling, eye-tracking, cross-cultural studies, and developmental research to bridge psychology and artificial intelligence. Key research areas include the development of social cognition in children, the integration of theory of mind with communication, and the application of cognitive science principles to build socially intelligent machines. His work emphasizes how humans infer others' knowledge, intentions, and desires, with implications for AI safety and ethical systems design. Publications span topics like epistemic inference, moral judgments, and the computational foundations of social interaction. His lab's research often intersects with evolutionary simulations, neural modeling, and cultural psychology. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Collaborations involve cross-disciplinary teams addressing challenges in developmental science, AI ethics, and cognitive robotics. His work has practical applications in educational strategies, social policy, and human-AI collaboration frameworks.
Professor Cati Connell is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Boston University and former Director of the BU Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program. She holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin (2010). Her research focuses on LGBTQ+ rights, military inclusion, gender dynamics, and workplace experiences. Key themes include queer identity formation, policy impacts on marginalized communities, and the intersection of labor practices with gender and sexuality. Education: PhD in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin, 2010 Her research interests center on military integration post-DADT repeal, generational solidarities in LGBTQ+ communities, and the evolving meanings of self-identification terms like “lesbian.” She explores how institutions shape queer narratives, analyzing topics such as homonormativity, gendered compromises, and aesthetic labor in retail environments. Her work combines qualitative methodologies with theoretical frameworks like Bourdieu’s sociology of the body. In her recent publications (2015–2024), Connell examines the paradoxes of queer visibility in professional spaces, the tensions between civil rights and institutional policies, and digital platforms’ role in fostering LGBTQ+ solidarity. Her analysis often critiques how equality reforms can inadvertently reinforce exclusionary norms. Scientific awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Advising and grants: While no specific advisees or grants are listed, Connell’s research trajectory suggests active mentorship in LGBTQ+ studies and sociology. Her work likely involves collaborative projects, though funding details remain undocumented. Labs/teams: Affiliated with Boston University’s Sociology Department and previously led the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program. No specific lab or team affiliations are noted in the texts, but her interdisciplinary focus implies potential collaborations across gender studies, queer theory, and military sociology initiatives.
Melissa Koenig serves as Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Minnesota's Institute of Child Development (ICD), where her research examines social and testimonial learning mechanisms in children through investigations of trust, cultural learning, memory, language, and cognitive development. As a first-generation college student, she prioritizes supporting students navigating academic systems through collaborative mentorship. Education PhD (2002), University of Texas at Austin Her research program spans cognitive development, cross-cultural studies, early childhood, language acquisition, theory of mind, and social-emotional development across peer, parent, and romantic contexts. The lab employs interdisciplinary, multi-method approaches with explicit cultural analysis to advance developmental science, particularly examining how children evaluate information sources and integrate testimony into moral frameworks. Analysis of her 2021-2024 publications reveals dominant themes in epistemic trust development, including how children assess informant credibility through moral behavior, group affiliation, and cultural context. Key trajectories show increasing sophistication in distinguishing epistemic versus practical reasoning, cross-cultural variations in trust attribution, and the developmental emergence of resistance to power-based corruption like bribery. Advising & Mentorship Accepts new PhD students for Fall 2026 cohort Requires prospective students to contact prior to December 1 application deadline Public advising statement details mutual expectations and support structures Specializes in guiding students through academic navigation and hidden curriculum challenges She directs the Early Language and Experience Lab, which maintains a collaborative research environment focused on uncovering constraints and supports for children's social learning across diverse contexts, with particular attention to cultural and socioeconomic variables in developmental processes.
Dr. Limin Jao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Integrated Studies in Education (DISE) at McGill University’s Faculty of Education. Her research focuses on exemplary teaching practices in mathematics and STE(A)M education, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, project-based learning, and student engagement. She holds leadership roles including Vice-President of the Canadian Mathematics Education Study Group and Editorial Board member of the Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education. Her expertise spans teacher education, pedagogy, and research-practice partnerships. Education: Ph.D., Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto M.A., Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development, OISE, University of Toronto B.Ed., Secondary Biology and Mathematics Education, Queen's University B.Sc.H., Biology and Mathematics, Queen's University Research Interests: Limin explores how interdisciplinary and inquiry-based methods foster student engagement and teacher development. Her work bridges theory and practice, advocating for inclusive classrooms and educator collaboration. She has pioneered projects linking community artifacts to STEM learning and co-edited volumes on transdisciplinary education and teacher training borders. Publications Trends: Recent work examines gender perspectives in mathematics, pre-service teacher experiences, and professional learning communities in STEM. Her research emphasizes equity, pedagogical innovation, and the intersection of cultural contexts with educational practices. Awards: 2023 Award for Distinguished Teaching, McGill University Faculty of Education Advising & Grants: Limin supervises graduate students in mathematics education and collaborates on research-practice initiatives. She leads the Jao Research Team and contributes to the Chandaria Research Centre’s advisory board at Branksome Hall. Labs/Teams: The Jao Research Team focuses on innovative teaching strategies and STE(A)M education, with projects addressing student agency and interdisciplinary curriculum design.
David Dillenberger is a Professor of Economics at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Economics. He has been at Penn since 2008, following his PhD from Princeton University. His research focuses on microeconomic theory, particularly decision theory, with an emphasis on non-expected utility models, risk and time preferences, and social preferences. Education: PhD from Princeton University. His work bridges theoretical economics with behavioral insights, addressing topics such as stochastic impatience, mixture aversion, and consensus effects in group decision-making. Research interests include modeling decision-making under uncertainty, time preferences, and social behavior. Notable contributions include studies on time lotteries, stochastic impatience, and the dynamics of subjective information choice. Publications span top journals like the American Economic Review, Econometrica, and Theoretical Economics, reflecting a focus on foundational questions in economic theory. His recent work (2023–2024) explores caution in decision-making and allocation mechanisms under aversion to mixture outcomes. No scientific awards are listed, though his extensive publication record indicates significant scholarly impact. Teaching includes courses on strategic reasoning and fairness/altruism in the PPE program. Advising and grants: Details not provided in available texts. Active participation in interdisciplinary research through affiliations like the Penn SoNG (Social Norms and Behavioral Dynamics) initiative. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Department of Economics and the Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences program at UPenn.
Anu Sepp is a Senior Lecturer in Music Pedagogy at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (part-time since 2019) and a University Lecturer in Music Education at the University of Eastern Finland (full-time since 2023). Her career includes roles as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, Associate Professor at EAMT, and extensive experience as a secondary school music/English teacher and choir conductor in Estonia and Finland. Education: PhD in Education, University of Helsinki (2008–2014) Master of Educational Sciences, Tallinn Pedagogical University (1999–2001) English Teacher Certification, Tallinn Pedagogical University (1992–1994) Music Teacher & Choir Conductor Diploma, Tallinn State Conservatoire (1981–1986) Her research explores music pedagogy, teacher training, curriculum innovation, and technology in education, with a strong focus on comparative studies between Estonia and Finland. She investigates interactive teaching methods, equity in music education, and the development of sustainable pedagogical frameworks. Her publications (2018–2023) predominantly analyze music teacher education, piano pedagogy, technology-enhanced learning, and curriculum design. Trends include longitudinal studies on student-teacher development, comparative education models, and integrating traditional pedagogical values with digital innovation. Scientific Awards: Riho Päts Foundation Laureate (2015) DKG International Scholarship (2013) Kristjan Jaagu Scholarship (2012) Ministry of Education Awards (2010, 2001) Teacher of the Year (1996) She has supervised 9 master’s theses and contributed to national curriculum reforms in Estonia. As a choir conductor, she led award-winning ensembles (1987–2023). She serves on committees for ISME, EAMT’s Scientific Board, and co-organizes international conferences like MISTEC.
Prof. Dr. Gunther Hellmann is a Professor of Political Science at Goethe University Frankfurt, specializing in German and European foreign policy. He serves as a Principal Investigator, Board Member, and Research Field Coordinator at the Cluster of Excellence 'Normative Orders,' and has held leadership roles such as President of the World International Studies Committee (2017–2021) and Dean of the Department of Social Sciences (2004–2005). His academic contributions include co-editorship of the Journal of International Relations (ZIB) and a visiting professorship at Johns Hopkins University’s SAIS Bologna Center. Affiliations: Goethe University Frankfurt, Cluster of Excellence 'Normative Orders,' World International Studies Committee, Aspen Institute Berlin, Transatlantic Academy Education: Political Science, History, and Philosophy at Freiburg, Munich, and Washington, D.C. Research Interests: Hellmann focuses on international relations theory, foreign policy analysis, German and European foreign policy, security and peace policy, and the transformation of global and regional orders. His work emphasizes the interplay between normative expectations and practical diplomacy, with a particular interest in transatlantic relations, strategic dilemmas, and praxis theory. Publications: His recent works examine global order challenges, pragmatism in foreign policy, and the evolution of international practices. Articles from 2024 address normative expectations, economic interdependence, and post-reunification German foreign policy. Earlier works (2022–2020) analyze praxis theory, securitization, and the relevance of theoretical political science to real-world issues. Teaching: He supervises theses and exams in international relations, requiring topics related to foreign policy theory, German/EU policy, and security studies. Students must attend his colloquium and submit detailed outlines.
Claus Thustrup Kreiner is a Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for Economic Behavior and Inequality (CEBI) at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Economics. He also serves as Area Director of Public Economics in the CESifo network and was co-editor of the Journal of Public Economics from 2014 to 2020. Kreiner has held various leadership positions including Director of the Economic Policy Research Unit (EPRU) since 2005 and Director of the Center of Excellence WEST from 2011-2013. Education: Ph.D. in Economics, University of Copenhagen, 1998 Visiting Ph.D. student, University of York, 1996 M.Sc. in Economics, University of Copenhagen, 1994 B.Sc. in Economics, University of Copenhagen, 1991 Claus Thustrup Kreiner's research primarily focuses on Public Economics , with secondary specializations in Labor Economics, Household Finance, Applied Microeconometrics, and Experimental Economics. His work examines inequality in income, wealth and health, optimal redistribution policy, and behavioral responses to public policy. Kreiner has conducted significant research using Danish administrative data to analyze tax compliance, labor supply responses, and inequality dynamics. His research often involves collaborations with institutions like Columbia University, London School of Economics, and UC Berkeley. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on inequality across multiple dimensions (income, wealth, health, life expectancy), tax policy design and compliance, labor market responses to policy changes, and the intersection of behavioral economics with public policy. Kreiner frequently employs high-frequency administrative data from Denmark to provide empirical evidence on how individuals and households respond to economic policies and shocks. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Appointed Knight of The Order of Dannebrog by Queen Margrethe II (2018) The Invisible Hand Award from the Society of Social Economics (2006, 2001) Best Teacher Award from the Study Board of Economics at University of Copenhagen (2002) Research Fellow at Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR), London (2009-) Kreiner has supervised numerous students primarily in Public Economics and has received multiple research grants including from the Danish Social Science Research Council (2003, 2006, 2009), International Growth Center (2009), and Danish National Research Foundation (1998-2003). He has served on important policy bodies including as co-chair of the Danish Economic Council (2010-2014) and member of the Danish Tax Commission (2008-2009). As Director of CEBI (Center for Economic Behavior and Inequality), Kreiner leads a major research center funded by the Danish National Research Foundation. He also directs the Economic Policy Research Unit (EPRU) and has been instrumental in establishing research collaborations through networks like CESifo. His work bridges academic research and policy application, as evidenced by his practical policy experience with government commissions.
