James Manning is a Lecturer in Digital Design at RMIT University's School of Design. His research focuses on game design, digital media, and cultural memory, exploring topics such as game preservation, livestreaming practices, and the intersection of play and technology. He is particularly interested in 'anarchaeological' approaches to defunct games and the documentation of everyday play practices. His teaching interests include game studies, interactive media, animation aesthetics, and design methodology. He actively supervises research in strategies for reflective shortform game design and has contributed to projects like the Astrosurf interactive dome experience. Key research themes include media archaeology, esports culture, and the sociocultural dimensions of digital games. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical studies, examining how digital platforms shape media consumption and cultural production.
Alexander B. Downes is a Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at The George Washington University, serving as Director of the Institute for Security and Conflict Studies within the Elliott School of International Affairs. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Chicago. His research focuses on international security with expertise in civilian victimization during war, foreign-imposed regime change, military effectiveness, coercion, nuclear weapons, and civil war. He has authored two influential books: Targeting Civilians in War (2008) and Catastrophic Success: Why Foreign-Imposed Regime Change Goes Wrong (2021). Downes has received major recognition including the Joseph Lepgold Prize (2008), Emerging Scholar Award (2016), Michael E. Brown Research Prize (2022), and Harry Harding Teaching Prize (2020). His work has been funded by the Department of Defense Minerva Initiative, Carnegie Corporation, and others. He has held fellowships at Harvard's Belfer Center and Stanford's CISAC. Teaching responsibilities include courses on international security, modern warfare theory, and coercion strategies. His research emphasizes policy-relevant analysis of global security challenges, combining historical case studies with contemporary strategic dilemmas.
Dr. Reza Fazeli is a Research Fellow at the Zero-Carbon Energy for the Asia-Pacific Grand Challenge at the Australian National University's School of Engineering. He joined ANU in January 2020, following six years as a Research Analyst and Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Iceland. His research focuses on sustainable energy transitions, decarbonization strategies, and energy policy assessment. Education background: PhD in Sustainable Energy Systems, University of Porto (MIT-Portugal program) MSc in Energy Systems Engineering, Sharif University of Technology BSc in Mechanical Engineering, University of Tehran Dr. Fazeli's research spans energy modeling, system dynamics, and multi-criteria decision analysis. He investigates decarbonization pathways for transportation and energy systems, GIS-based sustainability assessments, and hydrogen economy transitions. His work combines technological and behavioral perspectives to develop sustainable energy solutions. His recent publications focus on hydrogen certification, emission accounting frameworks, and renewable integration challenges. Articles consistently address policy-technical interfaces in energy transitions, with increasing emphasis on international hydrogen trade and certification systems since 2021. Dr. Fazeli leads research on green hydrogen economy assessments and coordinates cross-disciplinary projects at the ANU Energy Change Institute.
Wendy W Wolford is the Robert A. and Ruth E. Polson Professor of Global Development at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She also serves as Vice Provost for International Affairs, overseeing global partnerships including the Global Hubs and Grand Challenges initiatives. Her research focuses on land governance, social movements, and agrarian societies, with extensive fieldwork in Brazil, Ecuador, and Mozambique. Key projects include analyses of the Brazilian MST landless movement and colonial legacies in Mozambican agriculture. Wolford earned her PhD from UC Berkeley (2001) and has authored/co-edited seminal works like This Land is Ours Now (2010) and The Social Lives of Land (2024). She has held prestigious fellowships, including a Fulbright (2016–17), and her work addresses critical issues like global land grabbing, participatory democracy, and environmental justice. Teaching spans undergraduate and graduate levels, emphasizing critical analysis in development theory and political ecology. Recognition includes awards for internationalizing curricula and advancing global development research. Her outreach includes curricula development on Brazilian rural development and multimedia case studies on sustainable food systems. Current research explores the Plantationocene framework and Mozambique’s agrarian histories.
Ezequiel Reficco is an Associate Professor at ESCP Business School's Madrid campus, specializing in Management. Previously, he served as Associate Professor at EGADE Business School (Tecnológico de Monterrey) and Chair of the Strategy Department at Universidad de Los Andes School of Management (Bogotá, Colombia). His academic journey includes a post-doctoral fellowship and Senior Researcher role at Harvard Business School (2001–2008). He co-authored books with Harvard University Press and published extensively in journals like the Journal of Business Ethics and Harvard Business Review . He is recognized globally for his research output, ranking among the top 10% of SSRN authors and #108 in Colombia's most cited researchers (2015). His research focuses on responsible management education, corporate social responsibility (CSR), inclusive business models, and strategic cross-sector partnerships. Key areas include leveraging business strategies to address poverty (BoP markets), fostering sustainability through innovation, and redesigning educational curricula for ethical leadership. His work bridges theory and practice, with consulting engagements for multilateral organizations and corporations like Inditex (owner of Zara). Notable achievements include awards from Universidad de Los Andes and Tecnológico de Monterrey for research excellence. He actively contributes to policy debates on social entrepreneurship and global development, emphasizing Latin American contexts. His recent articles highlight trends toward integrating CSR into core business operations and rethinking educational frameworks to address global challenges. Professional roles beyond academia include membership in Inditex's Social Council, advising on ethical practices and sustainability initiatives. His career reflects a commitment to aligning business strategies with societal impact, particularly in underserved markets and developing regions.
Mariana Resener is an Assistant Professor in the School of Sustainable Energy Engineering at Simon Fraser University (SFU). She holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (2016) from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, alongside M.Sc. (2011) and B.Sc. (2008) degrees in the same field. Her research focuses on optimizing power systems, particularly in distributed energy resources, energy storage, and volt/var control. She teaches courses like Power Electronics and Power Systems Analysis & Design. Her work emphasizes sustainable development in grid planning and energy infrastructure. As a Senior Member of IEEE and an Associate Editor for the Energy Systems Journal (Springer), she contributes to advancing smart grid technologies and renewable integration. Her research spans metaheuristic optimization, stochastic modeling, and grid resilience strategies for distributed systems. Recent projects include hybrid renewable energy systems for substations, EV charging station optimization, and fault analysis in unbalanced grids. She collaborates with industry on practical solutions for grid modernization and reliability enhancement.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Dominique Foray is a Professor at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and holds the Chair of Economics and Management of Innovation (CEMI). He is a member of the Swiss Council for Science, chairman of the KOF Swiss Economic Research Institute's Advisory Board, and a foreign member of Columbia University's Center of Capitalism and Society. His career includes extensive advisory roles, such as with the European Commission's 'Knowledge for Growth' group and Germany's Expert Commission for Research and Innovation. Education: Ph.D. in Economics, University Lumière of Lyon (1984) Habilitation à diriger des recherches, University Lumière of Lyon (1992) Foray's research focuses on the economics of innovation, knowledge-based economy dynamics, technology policy, smart specialization strategies, and institutional frameworks for innovation. He has authored seminal works including The Economics of Knowledge (MIT Press, 2004) and Smart Specialisation (Routledge, 2015). His recent publications explore mission-oriented innovation policies, smart specialization in EU contexts, and knowledge diffusion mechanisms. Foray's work bridges academic theory with practical policy design, influencing regional and national innovation strategies globally. Advising: Past EPFL PhD students: Aouinait Camille Marguerite, Ayoubi Charles Chadi, Baruffaldi Stefano Horst, Bednyagin Denis, Bogers Marcellus, Coffano Monica, Conti Annamaria, Cristelli Gabriele, Gaulé Patrick, Hamdan Livramento Intan Maizurah, Marino Marianna, Muñoz Tellez de Kieffer Viviana Carolina, Pellegrin Claudia, Simeth Markus Foray's institutional roles include leadership in European policy initiatives and contributions to the World Bank's studies on innovation's role in economic growth. His interdisciplinary approach integrates economics, policy analysis, and technology management to address grand societal challenges through innovation.
Cora Schmidt-Ott is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Chair of Modern and Contemporary History (Prof. Dr. Jan Eckel) at the University of Freiburg . Her work focuses on the intellectual biography of Samuel P. Huntington and the broader intellectual history of the 20th century, particularly in relation to political stability, globalization, and the American Century. She collaborates with institutions like the German Historical Institute, Washington DC , and has led DFG-funded projects. Education: MA in Comparative Modern History (University of Freiburg & University of Bologna); BA in History and American Studies (University of Freiburg & Connecticut College) Her research explores the intersections of political theory, Cold War liberalism, and transnational historical processes, with a particular emphasis on Huntington's influence on postcolonial state-building and global order. She has contributed to debates on migration, museum narratives, and post-war societal transformations. Recent publications and lectures highlight her expertise in political history, American studies, and Cold War-era intellectual networks. She has received scholarships from the Bavaria Graduation Scholarship , Max Weber Fellowship , and Erasmus Program , among others. Scientific Awards: Bavaria Graduation Scholarship (2016) Max Weber Fellowship (2015) Erasmus Scholarship (2013) Baden-Württemberg Scholarship (2011) Cora Schmidt-Ott contributes to academic discourse through her leadership in workshops, teaching roles in seminars on decolonization and 20th-century history, and her ongoing project funded by the German Research Foundation on Samuel Huntington's intellectual legacy.
Barbara Zanchetta is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London, affiliated with the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy. She specializes in Cold War history, American foreign policy, and transatlantic relations. Her work examines US-Soviet détente, nuclear arms control, and the strategic implications of post-Cold War policies. She is the author of The Transformation of American International Power in the 1970's and co-author of Transatlantic Relations since 1945 . Currently, she is researching US policies toward the Persian Gulf and their role in the collapse of the Soviet Union. Her teaching includes courses on international history, US national security, and the War on Terror. She is affiliated with the Sir Michael Howard Centre for the History of War, the Latin American Security Research Group, and the Centre for Grand Strategy. Her research explores the intersections of diplomacy, conflict, and security policy, with a focus on Cold War legacies and modern geopolitical challenges. Zanchetta has organized international conferences, including a hybrid event in Paris on the consequences of the Cold War’s end. Her commentary on contemporary issues, such as NATO’s expansion and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, reflects her expertise in historical and strategic analysis.
Professor Eero Vaara, currently at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, is a globally recognized expert in organizational theory, strategic change, and institutional dynamics. With 39 publications in Financial Times top 50 journals between 2008-2022, his work explores historical perspectives, discursive processes, and paradoxes in organizational transformations. Affiliation: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford Research Focus: Strategic change, institutional work, narrative theory, and historical embeddedness Eero’s research bridges macro-institutional and micro-practice approaches, emphasizing how unmaterialized decisions, discursive struggles, and temporal dynamics shape organizational trajectories. His work spans multinational corporations, public sector governance, and extreme contexts, with a growing interest in historical analysis and critical discourse studies. His recent publications highlight themes such as strategy-as-practice , national identity , and temporal intentionality . Articles like Near-histories and strategy emergence and Discursive legitimation demonstrate his interdisciplinary approach combining institutional theory, paradox theory, and narrative analysis. Scientific Awards: Academy of Management fellowship Ranked 11th most published management scholar in FT top 50 journals (2008-2022) Eero’s collaborative research style and resilience in the publication process have led to influential contributions in strategic management and organizational studies. His colleague Eric Zhao notes that his work “opens up new ways of thinking about organizations, strategy, and change,” reflecting Oxford Saïd’s commitment to research excellence.
Satish Nambisan is the Nancy and Joseph Keithley Professor of Technology Management at the Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, where he also serves as Faculty Director of the Online MBA in Product Management. His academic leadership spans innovation management, entrepreneurship, and digital globalization research. Doctor of Philosophy, Syracuse University (1997) Master of Business Administration, XLRI - Xavier School of Management (1989) Bachelor of Technology, Calicut University (1987) Nambisan's research focuses on how digital technologies shape innovation and value creation in global business contexts. His work examines digital entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystems, and the transformation of multinational corporations in the digital age. He investigates how AI and other digital technologies are reshaping global innovation processes and value creation mechanisms across diverse organizational settings. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on digital globalization, AI's role in innovation, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and the strategic challenges facing multinational corporations in a digitally connected world. The research demonstrates interdisciplinary connections between technology management, international business, and entrepreneurship literature. Scientific Awards: Axiom 2023 Business Book Award (Gold Medal) for 'The Digital Multinational: Navigating the New Normal in Global Business' Web of Science-Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher for cross-field impact (2022) Web of Science-Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher for economics & business (2023) Martin J. Whitman Distinguished Ph.D. Alumni Award from Syracuse University (2006) Nambisan actively engages with the business community as a sought-after speaker and consultant, having advised major organizations including Microsoft, 3M, P&G, SAP, and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. His editorial leadership includes serving as Field Editor at the Journal of Business Venturing and Department Editor at Management and Business Review, reflecting his significant influence in academic publishing.
Robert S. Ross is Professor of Political Science at Boston College and holds affiliate positions at Harvard University's John King Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies and MIT's Security Studies Program. He specializes in Chinese security policy, East Asian security dynamics, and US-China relations. Ross has held visiting roles at institutions including Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Fudan University, reflecting his deep engagement with Chinese academic and policy communities. Education: B.A., Tufts University M.A. & Ph.D., Columbia University His research interests focus on the intersection of Chinese domestic politics and foreign policy, particularly in the context of power transitions and strategic competition. Key themes include Sino-American relations, regional security architecture, and the implications of China's rise for global governance. Ross has authored influential works such as Chinese Security Policy and Normalization of U.S.-China Relations , and his analyses frequently appear in journals like International Security and Foreign Affairs . Ross has advised U.S. government agencies and testified before Congress, emphasizing practical policy insights alongside academic rigor. His grants and fellowships include support from the MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation. He currently serves on multiple editorial boards and academic advisory committees, including the U.S.-China Working Group of Congress and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. His recent work explores Europe's role in the Asia-Pacific balance of power and the evolving U.S.-China strategic rivalry, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to contemporary geopolitical challenges.
William C. Wohlforth is a Professor of Government and Daniel Webster Professor at Dartmouth College's Government Department since 2000. His work focuses on international relations theory, international security, and U.S. foreign policy with particular emphasis on great power politics and grand strategy. Education: B.A. in International Relations from Beloit College; M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in Political Science from Yale University. Research interests include Cold War history, U.S.-Russian relations, NATO dynamics, and strategic security studies. He has authored nine books and over 60 articles, with recent work exploring multipolarity myths and great power subversion tactics. Current initiatives include the Initiative for Global Security at the Dickey Center. He advises policy institutions like the National Intelligence Council, contributing to reports such as Global Trends 2030. Served as editor-in-chief of Security Studies and holds fellowships at Stanford's CISAC and Hoover Institution. Teaches courses on international politics, Russian foreign policy, and leadership grand strategy.
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)United Kingdom
Professor Matthew Jones is Professor of International History at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he joined in 2013. He previously held academic positions at the University of Nottingham and Royal Holloway, University of London. He was appointed Cabinet Office official historian for the UK strategic nuclear deterrent in 2008. University: London School of Economics and Political Science School: Department of International History Academic Rank: Professor Email: m.c.jones@lse.ac.uk Office: SAR.3.09 Office Hours: Wednesday 1-2pm, Thursday 4-5pm Education: Undergraduate Degree: University of Sussex DPhil in Modern History: St Antony’s College, Oxford Professor Jones’s research focuses on 20th-century international history, particularly Post-WWII British Foreign and Defence Policy , Cold War Nuclear History , and British Decolonization in Southeast Asia . His work explores Anglo-American relations, nuclear strategy in Asia, and the political history of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. He has a sustained interest in the Vietnam War and US foreign relations after 1941. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in official historical analysis of nuclear policy, especially through his two-volume Official History of the UK Strategic Nuclear Deterrent , based on full access to classified government records. His scholarship combines diplomatic, strategic, and political history with deep archival research, often uncovering new insights into high-level decision-making during the Cold War. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Appointed Cabinet Office official historian of the UK strategic nuclear deterrent and Chevaline programme (2008) Recipient of grants from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, British Academy, JFK Library, LBJ Library, Gilder Lehrman Institute, and Eccles Centre Professor Jones has supervised multiple PhD students, including Grant Golub, Alexandra Penler, and William King. His research is supported by major grants from national and international funding bodies. He has also served as Head of the Department of International History at LSE from 2017 to 2020. He is actively involved in public engagement, having delivered talks at institutions such as the Woodrow Wilson Center, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the Royal United Services Institute. His work bridges academic scholarship and policy-relevant historical analysis.
Jared Eutsler is an Associate Professor of Accounting in the Department of Accounting at the G. Brint Ryan College of Business, University of North Texas, where he has been a faculty member since 2016. He holds multiple professional certifications including CPA, CMA, CFM, and CFE, and brings industry experience from Ernst & Young and the PCAOB to his academic role. His educational qualifications are: Ph.D. in Business Administration-Accounting from the University of Central Florida Masters in Accountancy and Information Systems from Arizona State University Bachelors in Accountancy from Grand Canyon University Dr. Eutsler specializes in auditing research with core interests in audit regulation, fraud detection mechanisms, and professional skepticism dynamics. His scholarly work examines behavioral aspects of auditor judgment, regulatory impacts on audit quality, and fraud vulnerabilities across contexts including education systems and public health reporting. He has published in premier outlets such as Accounting Organizations and Society and Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory, demonstrating methodological diversity through experimental, archival, and case-based approaches. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on auditor-client interactions and regulatory compliance, with growing emphasis on real-world applications. Recent work extends into emerging domains like equity crowdfunding decision-making and politicization of financial reporting data, while maintaining strong connections to foundational auditing principles. His research increasingly employs behavioral experiments to model professional skepticism threats and mitigation strategies in complex audit scenarios. Dr. Eutsler has been recognized with the G. Brint Ryan College of Business Teaching Innovation Award for his excellence in classroom instruction. His professional service includes significant public-sector engagement through the Audit & Finance committee for the City of Corinth and the Board of Directors for Denton County Transportation Authority, where he applies academic expertise to governmental financial oversight. No information on student advising or research grants was provided in the source material. No research labs or specialized teams are mentioned in the available documentation.
