Find Academic Supervisors

Myriam Dunn CaveltyView profile

Associate Professor

• Cybersecurity
• Digital Technologies and Political Behavior
• Governance of Digital Technologies
• +6 more

Myriam Dunn Cavelty serves as Deputy Head of Research and Teaching at the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich, where she leads significant academic initiatives in cybersecurity and digital governance. She holds formal affiliations as an associate researcher at the Center for Advanced Security Theory at the University of Copenhagen, and has held prestigious visiting positions at Brown University, the University of Darmstadt (as a Mercator Fellow), and the Central European University. Her research expertise centers on how digital technologies influence political behavior and societal values, with particular attention to governance arrangements for digital technologies and their embedding in social, political, and economic processes. Her scholarly contributions span cybersecurity politics, cyber warfare, critical infrastructure protection, and strategic foresight, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach that bridges political science, international relations, and technology studies. Dunn Cavelty's publication record demonstrates remarkable consistency and impact, with works spanning from 2008 to the present. Her research shows an evolution from early analyses of cyber-threat construction to contemporary examinations of AI in security contexts and the political dimensions of cybersecurity governance. Her work consistently addresses the intersection of technological capabilities and political constraints, examining how states and other actors navigate security challenges in the digital domain. Mercator Fellow at the University of Darmstadt Editor-in-Chief of Contemporary Security Policy Advisory work for governments, international institutions, and corporations As an academic leader, she has advised numerous doctoral students and supervised research projects examining the political dimensions of cybersecurity. Her work with the Center for Security Studies involves directing research programs that connect academic inquiry with policy relevance, particularly in the areas of risk analysis and strategic foresight. She has established herself as a leading voice in European cybersecurity scholarship, with particular expertise in the Swiss context and broader European security frameworks.

• Criminology
• Political Sociology
• Penal Systems
• +12 more

Dr Luca Follis is an Associate Professor in Criminology within the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the School of Law, Politics and Sociology, University of Sussex. His interdisciplinary research explores the intersections of law, power, technology, and resistance, with a focus on penal systems, surveillance, and digital activism. His education includes a PhD in Sociology (with Honours) from the New School for Social Research, where his dissertation won the Albert Solomon Memorial Award. He also holds a B.A. in English Textual Studies from Syracuse University and a B.A. in Sociology and Mass Communication from the University of New Mexico. Political Sociology Criminology and Penal Governance Hacktivism and State Hacking Surveillance and Networked Technology Carceral Logistics and Prison (Im)mobilities Migration, Health Systems, and (Im)mobilities His recent publications reflect a strong trend in analyzing how digital technologies reshape state power and resistance, from state hacking and cyberwar to healthcare access during pandemics. He frequently collaborates with scholars like Anna Fish and engages in critical legal and historical analyses of punishment and control. Albert Solomon Memorial Award in Sociology, New School for Social Research Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Luca Follis advises students and contributes to academic discourse through editorial work, collaborative research, and public engagement. While specific grant details are not listed, his extensive publication record and interdisciplinary projects suggest active research funding. He is involved in critical studies of justice infrastructures, carceral systems, and digital governance. His work bridges historical and contemporary issues, from 19th-century penal governance to modern cyber conflicts, often situating technological change within broader political and cultural dynamics. He contributes to both academic and public understanding of power, resistance, and justice in digital and carceral contexts.

A.S. RichterichView profile

Associate Professor

• Digital Cultures
• Hacker and Maker Communities
• Feminist Technology Activism
• +3 more

A.S. Richterich is an Associate Professor in Digital Cultures at Maastricht University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS), Department of Literature & Art. Their research focuses on social practices involving digital technology, particularly in hacker/maker communities and feminist technocultural spaces. They hold a PhD in Digital Media Studies from the University of Siegen (2012) and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Sussex as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow (2019-2021). Key areas of expertise include hacker/makerspace dynamics, digital literacy, feminist technology activism, and ethnographic methods. Richterich has published widely in journals such as *Information, Communication & Society* and *Learning, Media, & Technology*, examining topics like data solidarity, design thinking critiques, and gendered participation in tech communities. Recent projects include investigating feminist automation ethics and the socio-political implications of hackathons. They received the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship (2019-2021) for research on experiential learning in maker cultures. Current work explores marginalized groups’ engagement with digital technologies, including women-only developer communities and feminist hackerspaces.

Anh V. VuView profile

Researcher

• Cybersecurity
• Cybercrime
• Online Harassment
• +6 more

Anh V. Vu is a Research Scientist at TRM Labs and a Visiting Researcher at the Cambridge Cybercrime Centre (University of Cambridge). His work focuses on cybersecurity, cybercrime subcultures, and the societal impact of online harms. He holds a PhD in Computer Science (2025) and has been funded by the EPSRC and ERC. Vu has contributed to datasets like ExtremeBB (tracking extremist forums) and tools like PostCog (underground forum search). Education: PhD (University of Cambridge, 2025), M.Sc. (JAIST, 2018), B.Sc. (Vietnam National University, 2016) Key roles: Research Assistant at Cambridge Cybercrime Centre, Visiting Research Student at TU Delft, Research Intern at NUS His research blends computer science and criminology to address threats like DDoS-for-hire markets, conflict-driven cyberattacks, and extremist behaviors. He has published at top venues like USENIX Security, IEEE S&P, and WWW. Notable grants: EPSRC (EP/V026178/1), ERC (949127).

Theresa ZügerView profile

Researcher

• Artificial Intelligence
• Public Interest AI
• Sustainability
• +5 more

Dr. Theresa Züger is an interdisciplinary researcher leading the AI & Society Lab at the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG). She investigates how AI systems can be designed to serve the common good, focusing on initiatives that promote sustainability, strengthen social inclusion, and enable technology reuse through open systems. Her work addresses societal challenges associated with artificial intelligence at political, social, and cultural levels, contributing to accurate assessment of AI's societal implications. Züger received her Ph.D. in Media Studies from Humboldt University in Berlin in 2017 with her dissertation 'Reload Disobedience,' focusing on digital forms of civil disobedience. Previously, she earned an M.A. in Theatre, Film and Television Studies as well as German and Philosophy from the University of Cologne. She also headed the office responsible for the German government's Third Engagement Report on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ). Her research centers on Public Interest AI, examining how AI development and deployment can benefit society rather than primarily maximizing profit. Current projects include 'Impact AI' (funded by Volkswagen Foundation), which develops auditing methods to assess AI projects' impact on public interest and sustainability, and 'Human in the Loop,' investigating how automated decision-making processes should be designed for successful human-machine interaction. She previously led the 'Public Interest AI' project, developing a theoretically grounded understanding of public interest AI and creating prototypes like a web accessibility tool and fact-checking application. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on bridging AI technology with societal values. Her work spans technical aspects of AI implementation, ethical considerations, and practical applications that serve public interests. Key trends include human-AI collaboration frameworks, accessibility enhancements, critical examination of AI hype, and theoretical foundations for public interest-oriented AI development. Züger serves as Vice-Chair of the UNESCO Commission on Communication and Information and participates in several juries including the Deep Tech Award, Digital Places – Land of Ideas, and the Civic Innovation Fund. She is also a regular event moderator for organizations like the Berlin-Brandenburg Media Authority, re:publica, and transmediale. As project leader of Impact AI and head of the AI & Society Lab, Züger directs significant research initiatives with funding from organizations like the Volkswagen Foundation. Her work involves extensive collaboration with academic and practical partners across Europe and globally, particularly through projects addressing women in tech and international AI governance. The AI & Society Lab functions as an interdisciplinary interface for new research approaches and knowledge transfer in AI, promoting inclusive, human rights-friendly, and sustainable AI strategies in Europe.

Kevin McDonaldView profile

Professor

• Radicalization
• Extremism
• Digital Social Worlds
• +5 more

Prof Kevin McDonald is a Professor of Sociology at Middlesex University, UK, within the Faculty of Business and Law's Law and Social Sciences Department. He leads the Doctoral Programmes in the faculty and focuses on radicalization, extremism, digital social worlds, and sociological theories of violence. Previously, he held roles at the University of Melbourne (Australia), Goldsmiths (UK), and the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (France). His research explores social movements, embodiment, and contemporary democracy challenges, particularly regarding youth radicalization and violent extremism. Education: PhD from École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (Paris), prior roles include Marie Curie Fellowships and visiting professorships across Europe. Teaching areas include terrorism sociology, criminology, and digital cultures. Research interests span far-right extremism drivers, jihadism, digital mobilization, and academic development for displaced scholars. He contributes to EU Horizon grant evaluations and edits Routledge's 'Social Movements in the 21st Century' book series. Publications include over 40 peer-reviewed works and books like Radicalization (2018). His work bridges theoretical sociology with policy-relevant research on security, democracy, and global social change.

Emilie FrenkielView profile

Lecturer

• Contemporary Chinese politics
• Participation and deliberation in China
• Media and public space
• +5 more

Emilie Frenkiel is a Lecturer in Political Science at the University of Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC) within its Faculty of Administration and International Exchanges, and a Researcher at LIPHA (Hannah Arendt Interdisciplinary Political Laboratory), serving as Vice-director and head of its seminar. Her work focuses on Contemporary Chinese politics , including participation mechanisms, media dynamics, and hacktivism in Taiwan. She also engages with democratic theory, the history of ideas, and the global circulation of sociopolitical concepts. Her research explores topics such as political deliberation in China, new media’s role in public space, and the intersection of technology and governance. She has authored influential books like *Conditional Democracy* (2015) and *Talking Politics in China* (2014), and contributed to peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes. Frenkiel is an editorial board member of *La Vie des idées*, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue through publications and academic events. Her publications reflect a multidisciplinary approach, bridging Chinese studies with global political theory. Recent works analyze intellectual debates on political reform in China and the evolving role of youth in political engagement. While no formal academic awards are listed, her prolific output underscores her scholarly impact in East Asian political analysis. Her research affiliations include LIPHA, where she coordinates seminars and drives collaborative projects. Frenkiel’s work often addresses under-explored areas such as hacktivism in Taiwan and the transnational flow of sociological ideas, positioning her as a pivotal figure in contemporary Chinese political studies.

Vasileios KaragiannopoulosView profile

Associate Professor

• Cybercrime
• Cybersecurity
• Information Technology Law
• +13 more

Vasileios Karagiannopoulos is an Associate Professor in Cybercrime and Cybersecurity at the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Portsmouth. He is co-director of the Centre for Cybercrime and Economic Crime and Director of the Cybercrime Awareness Clinic, an innovation hub funded by the NCSC, ESRC, and EU Interreg. He has been at the university since 2014 and actively supervises PhD students. His research spans cybercrime, cybersecurity law, internet regulation, cyber awareness, hacktivism, cyberwarfare, human rights online, and AI ethics. He leads interdisciplinary projects on fraud prevention, moral injury in police investigators, and violent extremism prevention. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to justice, peace, and inclusion. His recent publications focus on cyber threats in geopolitical conflicts (e.g., Ukraine, Iran), victimisation of older adults, trauma in law enforcement, and ethical dimensions of digital activism. The research demonstrates a strong trend toward applied, policy-relevant studies at the intersection of law, technology, and society. National Cyber Awareness Award (2020) National Cyber Awareness Award High Commendation (2022) PICCASO Privacy Leader of the Year: Academia (2022) Vice Chancellor Award for Excellence in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (2025) He has secured grants from Hampshire Constabulary, the National Cyber Security Centre, the Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats, the Economic and Social Research Council, and EU Interreg 2 Seas. He is an external PhD supervisor, examiner, and member of the ESRC UK committee. He regularly provides expert commentary in national and international media. He leads the Cybercrime Awareness Clinic and is involved in the ORPHEUS project on violent extremism prevention, working with international partners across Europe. His work emphasizes collaboration between academia, law enforcement, and vulnerable communities.

Marcel KolvenbachView profile

Part-Time Lecturer

• Documentary Film
• Television Studies
• Digital Media
• +4 more

Marcel Kolvenbach is a part-time professor at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KHM), affiliated with the School of Media and Fine Art and the Film and Television department. As a documentary filmmaker and producer, his work focuses on politically engaged storytelling through TV, online, and cinema formats. He leads publicnomad productions, creating documentaries that intersect social justice, political cinema, and environmental themes. Academic Role: PartTime Lecturer in Documentary Film (TV and Internet) Email: marcel.kolvenbach@khm.de Office: Heumarkt 14, R.2.15, Cologne His research interests span documentary film theory, digital media ethics, visual anthropology, and the political implications of audiovisual narratives. He integrates cross-media storytelling and critical analysis of power structures in media production. Scientific awards include: Audience Award 'Best Film' (2023, Jewish Film Festival, Uruguay) Gold Word Medal (2014, New York Festivals) Grimme Online Award (2015) German Human Rights Film Award (2006) His filmography reflects a focus on cancer inequities, migration, environmental justice, and human rights. He collaborates with institutions like Universidad Nacional de Entre Rios and Instituto Gino Germani.

Shana MacDonaldView profile

Associate Professor

• Feminist Media Studies
• Digital Resistance
• Social Media Analysis
• +5 more

Shana MacDonald is an Associate Professor in Communication Arts at the University of Waterloo, holding the O’Donovan Chair in Communication Across the Disciplines. Her research bridges feminist theory, media studies, and digital activism, focusing on social media’s role in gender-based violence, online resistance, and visual culture. She co-directs the SIGNAL Network addressing tech-facilitated gender violence and co-runs the @aesthetic.resistance Instagram archive and Feminist Think Tank. MacDonald earned a PhD in Communication and Culture (2013) from York University, an MA in Cinema and Media Studies (2005), and a BFA in Image Arts (2001) from Ryerson University. She has authored/co-edited multiple volumes, including *Networked Feminisms* (2022) and *Stories of Feminist Protest* (2023), with her recent book *The Art of Memes in Feminist Digital Culture* (2025) examining memes as tools of resistance. Her work interrogates digital platforms’ impact on feminist praxis, including studies of meme culture, viral public health communication, and feminist archiving methods. As former President of the Film and Media Association of Canada (2020-2022), she advocates for interdisciplinary dialogue. Her research emphasizes collaborative, care-oriented methodologies to counteract structural inequities in digital spaces.

• Media Theory
• New Media History
• Technology Criticism
• +7 more

Benjamin Peters is an Associate Professor of Cyber Studies at the University of Tulsa, holding the Hazel Rogers Endowed Chair in Media Studies while serving as Chair of both Media Studies and Film Studies programs. He is jointly appointed in the Kendall College of Arts & Sciences and the College of Engineering & Computer Science, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to media and technology studies. His academic home resides in the Department of Media Studies where he has developed influential courses on cyber culture, media theory, and digital society. Peters earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University and his M.A. from Stanford University, establishing a strong foundation for his research on the intersections of technology, culture, and society. His educational background informs his unique perspective on media history, particularly regarding Soviet-era technological development and its implications for contemporary digital culture. As a media scholar, Peters specializes in the relationships between emerging technology, culture, and society, with particular expertise in media theory, new media history, and technology criticism. His research takes a transnational approach with comparative attention to North America, focusing on the geopolitical space between Berlin and Beijing, with an epicenter on Kyiv, Ukraine. He examines how media technologies distribute and concentrate power and knowledge unevenly across different historical and cultural contexts, with special attention to the Soviet century's technological development. Peters' scholarly output shows a consistent trajectory examining media history through a critical lens, with increasing attention to agricultural media, Russian media theory, and the philosophical implications of digital technologies. His recent work demonstrates growing engagement with farm media studies, transnational media theory, and the ethical dimensions of computational science, while maintaining his foundational interest in Soviet/Russian technological history. Outstanding Teaching Award (2023) Best Book in Business Technology from Strategy + Business (2021) "Public Pick" by Public Books (2021) Computer History Museum Prize (2018) Wayne S. Vucinich Book Prize (2017) PROSE Award History of Science, Technology, & Medicine (2017) As an advisor, Peters has mentored numerous graduate students including Xuenan Cao (Yale postdoctorate candidate), Anna Kalinina (Leuphana University MA candidate), Bo An (Yale PhD candidate), Carlotta Chenoweth (Yale PhD candidate, now at West Point), and Scott Brennen (UNC PhD, Oxford postdoc). His teaching excellence has been recognized with the Outstanding Teaching Award (2023), the university's lifetime career award given to the top 1% of teachers campus-wide, and eleven Most Valuable Professor awards between 2013-2022. Student evaluations consistently rate him highly with averages of 4.4 for course quality and 4.7 for instructor quality (out of 5).

Yana BoevaView profile

Research Fellow

• Science and Technology Studies
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Fabrication
• +5 more

Dr. Yana Boeva is a Junior Research Group Leader at the University of Stuttgart , affiliated with both the Institute for Social Sciences and the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC . Her work bridges Science and Technology Studies (STS) with Computational Design , focusing on critical examinations of digital infrastructure, human-computer interaction, and sustainability in architectural contexts. Research Interests: Algorithmic entanglements in design and construction Participatory technology production Digital fabrication and material practice Epistemic cultures of computational design Socio-political implications of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Her recent publications analyze timber construction innovation trajectories , platformization in urban environments , and ghost labor in automation . She co-edited the volume Algorithmic Regimes (2024), which investigates algorithmic knowledge production across societal domains. Scientific Awards: Recipient of the DigitalFUTURES Young Award for critical computational design research Dr. Boeva teaches courses on Algorithmic Sociology and Digital Sustainability at the MA and BA levels. Her work has been supported by projects under the Excellence Cluster IntCDC and BBSR Innovationsprogramm Zukunft Bau .

• Social Psychology
• Cyberpsychology
• Behavior Change
• +5 more

Professor John McAlaney is a Chartered Psychologist and Chartered Scientist at Bournemouth University's Department of Psychology. He leads the Cyberpsychology research group and is Programme Leader for the BSc Cyberpsychology degree. His research focuses on social psychology and behavior change, particularly in areas like digital addiction, problematic gambling, and socio-technical systems. He holds a PhD from the University of West of Scotland (2007) and has held academic roles at the University of Bradford and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He collaborates with the Department of Computing to study human factors in cybersecurity and online social dynamics. Education: Bachelor's degree: University of Stirling MSc: University of Strathclyde PhD: University of the West of Scotland (2007) Research Interests: Social norms approach to behavior change Cyberpsychology applications in digital addiction and gambling Role of human factors in cybersecurity/hacktivism Socio-technical systems and fake news Advising & Grants: Leads the Cyberpsychology research group, oversees the BSc Cyberpsychology program, and collaborates with industry/charities (e.g., Gordon Moody Association for problem gambling). Labs/Teams: Cyberpsychology Research Group, BSc Cyberpsychology Program.

Arrah-Marie JOView profile

Associate Professor

• Economics of Information Security
• Privacy
• Digital Economy
• +5 more

Arrah-Marie JO is an Associate Professor of Economics at IMT Atlantique, based at the Rennes campus. She is part of the Digital Strategy and Law team within the SRCD department, focusing on the Economics of Information Security, Privacy, and broader Digital Economy issues. Her work employs empirical and quantitative methods to analyze market structures, stakeholder interactions, and governance frameworks in cybersecurity and privacy contexts. Education: PhD in Economics, Institut Polytechnique de Paris (Télécom Paris), 2019 Master’s in Information Systems Engineering, Institut Mines-Télécom Business School Master’s in Network Industries and Digital Economy, Paris Dauphine University Research Interests: Cybersecurity economics, privacy regulation impact on digital markets, software vulnerability markets, competition in AdTech and IoT ecosystems. She has investigated how vulnerability disclosure affects third-party contributions to software security and the role of GDPR in reshaping online advertising competition. Professional Experience: Postdoctoral Fellow, Governance and Regulation Chair (Paris Dauphine University) Consultant/Auditor at Deloitte (Insurance & Banking sectors) Affiliations: Program Committee member for the Workshop on the Economics of Information Security (WEIS), member of AFREN and M@rsouin research networks.

Kristan StoddartView profile

Associate Professor

• Cybersecurity
• Cyberwarfare
• Cyberespionage
• +5 more

Kristan Stoddart is an Associate Professor of Cyber Threats at Swansea University's School of Social Sciences, with additional affiliation at the Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law. He serves as a member of the Cyber Threats Research Centre (CYTREC) and has previously held positions as a Reader in International Politics at Aberystwyth University, where he also served as Deputy Director of the Centre for Intelligence and International Security Studies. His research spans cybersecurity, cyberwarfare, cyberespionage, cyber terrorism, cybercrime, international security, intelligence studies, and nuclear weapons. Stoddart's work bridges historical analysis of Cold War nuclear strategy with contemporary cyber threats, creating a unique interdisciplinary approach to security studies. His expertise is particularly focused on the intersection of cyber operations with critical national infrastructure protection and geopolitical conflicts. Stoddart's publications reveal a clear evolution from historical nuclear strategy research to contemporary cyber security challenges. His recent works focus on Russian cyber campaigns against Ukraine, Chinese offensive cyberespionage, and threats to critical infrastructure. This progression demonstrates his ability to apply historical understanding of strategic competition to emerging cyber domains, with particular emphasis on the 'gray zone' between peace and war where cyber operations increasingly occur. Professional Recognition: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Fellow of the Royal Historical Society Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) since 2022 Research Leadership: Stoddart has secured significant research funding including a €30,000 EU grant for 'EU Resilience Against Hybrid Warfare' (2021) and served as Principal Investigator for a £1.2 million project on 'SCADA Systems and Cyber Security Lifecycles' (2014-2017) funded by Airbus Group and the Welsh Government. He has supervised multiple PhD students working on topics including social media evidence, voluntary sector regulation, and crypto-crimes. Professional Engagement: Stoddart is an active member of the Project on Nuclear Issues at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC. He has spoken at major international conferences including NATO, GCHQ, and US Strategic Command, and has provided expert commentary for media outlets including the BBC. His public engagement includes keynote lectures such as 'Edward Snowden and You: Negotiating the Post 9/11 Surveillance State' broadcast on C-Span.