Shauna Brail is Professor and Director at the Institute for Management & Innovation, University of Toronto Mississauga, with cross-appointments at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. As an economic geographer and urban planner, her research examines urban transformation through economic, social, and technological change, particularly focusing on platform economy impacts, mobility innovation, and governance shifts in 21st-century cities. Education: PhD in Geography (University of Toronto), MA in Urban Planning (University of British Columbia), BA in Urban Studies/Geography (University of Toronto). Leadership Roles: Former Associate Director of Mobility Network, Director of Urban Studies Program, Associate Director of Partnerships & Outreach at School of Cities, and Interim Director of Master of Urban Innovation. Her work appears in top journals across geography, urban planning, and urban studies . Recent publications analyze pandemic impacts on cities, platform economy regulation, public housing finance models, and autonomous vehicle governance. She advises governments and civic organizations on housing, transportation, and digital platform policy while serving on editorial boards for Applied Geography , Progress in Economic Geography , and Canadian Geographies . Academic partnerships include collaborations with researchers like Tara Vinodrai, Ben Donald, and international scholars. Her current projects examine post-pandemic urban recovery, mobility-as-a-service business models, and equitable transportation technology implementation across Canadian cities.
Dr. Winnie Yip is a Professor of the Practice of Global Health Policy and Economics at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She serves as Faculty Director of the China Health Partnership and recently concluded her role as Acting Director at Harvard's Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies. Previously, she was a Professor at the University of Oxford and led the Global Health Policy Program. She holds a PhD in Economics from MIT and a BA from UC Berkeley. Her research focuses on systemic healthcare interventions, policy design, and aging populations' impact on health systems. She collaborates closely with governments and international agencies like the World Bank and WHO, advising on reforms in Asia. Her work emphasizes equitable access, health system efficiency, and innovative eldercare solutions. Dr. Yip’s academic leadership includes roles as past President of the International Health Economics Association and editorial positions at journals like Social Science & Medicine . Her grants include funding from NSF, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and EU Commission. Key areas of study include telemedicine, long-term care financing, and healthcare delivery in low-income regions.
Kevin Manaugh is an Associate Professor at McGill University, specializing in Urban Planning with a focus on sustainable transportation and spatial justice. His research examines how decision-making processes in urban development balance environmental, economic, and social equity goals, particularly through transport systems. He holds a PhD in Urban Planning from McGill University (2013). His key research interests include integrating social equity into land use policies, analyzing accessibility impacts on socioeconomically diverse populations, and studying behavior change related to sustainable transportation. Current projects explore equitable transit accessibility, responses to local mobility policies, and health/well-being effects of sustainable transport choices. Manaugh has published extensively on transportation equity, urban form analysis, and GIS applications. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical policy implementation, emphasizing participatory approaches to urban planning. Notable contributions include studies on pandemic street reallocation equity and cycling infrastructure prioritization strategies. His research has been supported by interdisciplinary collaborations and applied to Canadian urban contexts. Despite prolific output, Manaugh maintains an active engagement with public discourse on urban mobility challenges and equitable urban futures.
Professor Lisa Strohschein holds dual roles as a Professor in the Sociology Department and Director of Undergraduate Programs at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Arts. Her research focuses on family dynamics and health inequalities, employing longitudinal methodologies to analyze large datasets. She teaches courses on health sociology, mental illness, and socialization, emphasizing sociological perspectives on health distribution and care systems. Her research interests include the interplay between socioeconomic factors and mental health, gender disparities in marital outcomes, and generational shifts in parenting practices. She has published extensively on topics like teen pregnancy correlates, poverty dynamics, and the mental health implications of family structures. Strohschein has received the 2019-20 Killam Annual Professorship and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Studies in Population, a peer-reviewed journal focusing on demographic research. She also contributes to policy through roles like membership in Statistics Canada's Demographic Statistics Advisory Committee and past presidency of the Canadian Population Society. Her scholarly work bridges theoretical frameworks (life course, stress process theory) with methodological rigor, often using growth curve models and competing risks analysis. Current research trends emphasize cross-national comparisons and applied policy relevance, particularly in understanding how family transitions impact health across the life course.
Dr. Liang Cheng is the Department Chair and Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Toledo. He leads a department with ~700 students across CS, CSE, and EE programs. His research focuses on Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), IoT, AI/ML, and intelligent infrastructure, supported by over $30M in funding from NSF, DOE, DOT, and industry. Notable projects include CPS Breakthrough initiatives and underground sensing systems. He co-edited a multidisciplinary book on Underground Sensing and contributed to smart grid cybersecurity. Dr. Cheng has held leadership roles at Lehigh University, shaping faculty governance and equity policies. His 100+ publications span networking, real-time systems, and sensor networks. He advises on funded projects totaling $30M+ and has pioneered pedagogical approaches in computer science education. Research Interests: Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS): Focuses on autonomous drones, energy systems, and real-time infrastructure Networking: Expertise in TSN, DTN, and wireless protocols Cybersecurity: SCADA systems, PLC attack detection, and blockchain energy modeling Underground Sensing: Geo-sensing via wireless signals and subsurface tomography Grants & Projects: Over 20 sponsored projects including NSF CPS Breakthrough (2018-2023), ABB smart grid projects, and DARPA-funded EDIFY systems. Key contributions include reconfigurable wireless architectures and network calculus tools for real-time systems. Teaching: Courses span senior design, compiler design, parallel computing, and wireless sensor networks. Developed pedagogical patterns for non-CS programming education. Awards: Recognized for leadership in academic governance and interdisciplinary research collaboration.
Jino Distasio is a Professor and Acting Dean of Science at The University of Winnipeg, Department of Geography. He teaches Urban Geography, Cultural Geography, and Social Geography, with courses like GEOG-3413 Urban Revitalization and GEOG-3430 Housing and Neighbourhood Planning . His research focuses on housing and neighborhood development, city planning, urban revitalization, homelessness, mental health, and urban transportation. Teaching Areas : Urban Geography, Cultural Geography, Social Geography Key Collaborations : Institute of Urban Studies (U. of Winnipeg), Housing First initiatives, interdisciplinary teams in public health and social policy His recent publications highlight Housing First interventions, urban policy impacts on homelessness, and social determinants of health. Scientific awards and honors were not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Dr. Kristen M George serves as an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine. Her academic journey includes a BA in Political Science with minors in Public Health and Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis, followed by an MPH and PhD in Epidemiology with a minor in Biostatistics from the University of Minnesota (completed in 2015 and 2019 respectively). Dr. George's research program focuses on lifecourse vascular contributions to dementia and cognitive aging, with particular emphasis on race and sex disparities. She investigates how social determinants lead to inequities in cardiovascular risk factors and disease, which subsequently contribute to disparities in cognitive aging and dementia outcomes. Her work bridges epidemiology, neurology, and social determinants of health to address critical gaps in understanding dementia disparities. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on African American health, life course epidemiology, and structural determinants of cognitive aging. Her research frequently examines how historical and contemporary social factors impact neurological outcomes in diverse populations, with particular attention to cardiovascular pathways to dementia. Professional recognition includes: Center for the Advancement of Multicultural Perspectives on Science (CAMPOS) Scholar, UC Davis (2021) NIH Travel Award (2020) JB Hawley Student Research Award, University of Minnesota (2016) Dr. George is an active member of the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment and the Methods in Longitudinal Dementia Research community, contributing to both national and international efforts to understand and address dementia disparities through rigorous epidemiological approaches.
Jae Eun Chung is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Howard University's School of Communications. Her research focuses on new media technologies, their psychosocial impacts, and health communication, with a particular emphasis on community engagement and digital discourse. Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Southern California M.A. in Telecommunications from Indiana University at Bloomington Dr. Chung's work explores the intersection of social media and health, analyzing how digital platforms influence public health perceptions, patient-doctor interactions, and health equity. She has published extensively in journals like Journal of Communication , Computers in Human Behavior , and Health Communication , often employing community-based participatory research (CBPR) to address disparities in asthma care, maternal health, and HPV-associated cancer awareness. Recent publications highlight trends in leveraging social media for health interventions, examining misinformation dynamics during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, and analyzing digital ecosystems. Her methodological approaches include network analysis, narrative studies, and assessments of digital engagement metrics. Howard University RCMI Grant: Enhancing recruitment of African-Americans and Hispanics in health research NSF HDR Grant: Collaborative research on data analytics for community enrichment PACRI Grant: Improving health outcomes for asthmatic children in public housing Bezos Earth Fund: Indoor environmental quality disparities in underserved communities Dr. Chung collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, including public health experts and data scientists, to advance health communication strategies. She has mentored students and researchers in projects analyzing social media's role in health promotion, digital privacy, and community-academic partnerships.
Emilio A. Parrado is the Dorothy Swaine Thomas Professor of Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts & Sciences and Director of the Population Studies Center. His research focuses on migration dynamics, particularly Hispanic populations in the U.S., international migration patterns, and social/demographic changes in Latin America. He combines quantitative and qualitative methods, including original survey and ethnographic data. Education: Ph.D. (Sociology, University of Chicago, 1997), M.A. (Sociology, University of Chicago, 1994), B.A. (Sociology, University of Buenos Aires, 1988). Key research areas include: Migrant health risks and transnational mobility (e.g., HIV/STI patterns at the U.S.-Mexico border) Gendered impacts of migration on labor markets and family structures Demographic transitions and social inequality in Latin America, including post-pandemic labor market shifts in Argentina Recent work emphasizes deportation effects on mental health, regional migration trends to Buenos Aires, and the intersection of immigration policy with fertility and urban development. His Migrante Project focuses on Mexico-U.S. border health observatories. Awards: None explicitly listed. Active in grants related to migrant health and labor studies. Labs/Teams: Leads the Population Studies Center and collaborates with the Latin American and Latino Studies Program at UPenn.
Mallory Elizabeth SoRelle serves as the Tony & Teddie Brown Associate Professor at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy. Her research examines how public policies both stem from and perpetuate socioeconomic and political inequality in the U.S., with a focus on consumer financial protection and civil justice—issues critical to marginalized communities yet often neglected by welfare state scholars. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Government, Cornell University (2016) M.A. in Government, Cornell University (2014) Master of Public Policy, Harvard University (2010) B.A. in Government, Smith College (2006) SoRelle's scholarly work centers on policy feedback effects, investigating how existing policies shape political behavior and future policy design. She analyzes consumer finance regulation, student debt relief, voting access reforms, and preemption politics, highlighting their disparate impacts on vulnerable populations and implications for democratic health. Her recent publications demonstrate a cohesive research agenda applying policy feedback theory across diverse policy domains. Key themes include the political consequences of financial regulation, the dynamics of student debt politics, and the erosion of voting rights, all examined through the lens of inequality and democratic participation. Dr. SoRelle holds the distinguished Tony & Teddie Brown Associate Professorship at Duke University. She is an active educator teaching courses such as The Political Economy of Policymaking and Public Policy, Political Power, and Social Change. Her research is supported by an NSF CAREER grant (2024-2029) investigating the political economy of fringe financial technologies and their impact on economic inequality.
Paul Mohai is a Professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE). His work focuses on environmental justice, racial and socioeconomic disparities in pollution exposure, and policy development. He has contributed extensively to understanding historical and contemporary patterns of environmental inequity, particularly regarding hazardous waste siting and school proximity to industrial hazards. Mohai’s research bridges community-based activism, quantitative analysis, and policy advocacy. Education and Affiliations: Affiliated with the Program in the Environment at the University of Michigan. Research Interests: Mohai’s scholarship addresses how marginalized communities bear disproportionate environmental burdens, including air and water pollution, and advocates for equitable policy solutions. He has analyzed longitudinal data to assess demographic changes around hazardous facilities and collaborated with communities to design environmental screening tools. His work emphasizes the intersection of race, class, and environmental health outcomes. Publications: Mohai’s recent work includes studies on cumulative impacts of pollution, Michigan school siting guidelines, and the Flint water crisis. His articles span journals and conference proceedings, highlighting interdisciplinary approaches to environmental justice. Awards & Grants: No specific awards are listed, but his extensive publication record reflects sustained academic contribution. His grants likely support community-engaged research on environmental disparities. Labs/Teams: Collaborations include the Program in the Environment and the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition.
Petter Stoor is an Assistant Professor at Umeå University's Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, specializing in Sámi health research. He holds a PhD from the Arctic University of Norway (UiT) and is Coordinator of Lávvuo, a research group focused on Sámi health education. His work emphasizes Indigenous health equity, suicide prevention, and addressing systemic discrimination. He teaches courses on Sámi and Indigenous health at Umeå University, including Sweden's first dedicated program in this field. PhD: “Suicide among Sámi – Cultural meanings of suicide and interventions for suicide prevention in Nordic parts of Sápmi” (2020, UiT) Current roles: Researcher, educator, and advisor to Sámi parliaments and NGOs Research interests include mental health disparities, cultural determinants of health, and ethical research practices with Indigenous communities. Awards include recognition for studies on sexual violence against Sámi women (2024) and broader Sámi health contributions (2024). He leads projects such as the SámiHET study on health inequities and collaborates internationally via the Lancet Commissions on Suicide and Arctic Health. Teaching focuses on integrating Indigenous perspectives into medical and public health curricula. He supervises master’s and doctoral students, emphasizing participatory methods and community-driven research.
Professor Sara Baker is a Professor of Developmental Psychology and Education at the University of Cambridge's Faculty of Education and a Fellow at Darwin College, where she served as Vice Master from 2021-2024. She is also a 2022 Senior Fellow in the Science of Learning with UNESCO-IBE/IBRO. Her work bridges cognitive science and educational practice, focusing on how children develop executive functions and self-regulation skills. Baker leads the Early Years Library project, co-founded the Research Centre for Play in Education, Development and Learning (PEDAL), and is a founding member of the Global Executive Functions Initiative. Sara Baker specializes in the science of learning, with research aimed at improving children's lives by identifying factors at home and school that support their agency over learning. Her work emphasizes developing executive functions and self-regulation through playful learning approaches. She uses lab-based experiments and collaborates with educators to translate cognitive science research into educational contexts. Her research spans multiple countries including the UK, USA, Mexico, Denmark, Slovakia, South Korea, Ghana, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and more, reflecting a strong commitment to culturally relevant and globally applicable educational practices. Analysis of Professor Baker's recent publications reveals a strong focus on executive functions, self-regulation, and playful learning across diverse cultural contexts. Her work increasingly addresses cultural adaptation of assessment tools and educational practices, particularly for Global Majority countries. There's a clear trajectory from basic cognitive research toward practical applications in educational settings, with growing emphasis on teacher training, culturally relevant assessment, and the role of play in early childhood development. Her interdisciplinary approach connects developmental psychology, educational theory, and practical classroom applications. 2022 Senior Fellow in the Science of Learning with UNESCO-IBE/IBRO Professor Baker leads the doctoral program in the Faculty of Education and serves as an Academic Project Director in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. She is the Cambridge academic lead on the Close the Gap partnership between Cambridge and Oxford, focused on postgraduate widening participation. Her research has been funded by prestigious organizations including the Newton Trust, Cambridge Humanities Research Grant, Economic and Social Research Council, LEGO Foundation, Nuffield Foundation, and Office for Students/Research England. She actively supervises doctoral students and seeks highly motivated candidates for October 2026 entry whose research aligns with her focus areas. Professor Baker co-founded and is actively involved with the Research Centre for Play in Education, Development and Learning (PEDAL), which investigates how children's play affects their development. She leads the Early Years Library project, a curated collection of evidence-based practices for early years educators, and is a founding member of the Global Executive Functions Initiative. Her work with the Connections international professional learning network focuses on self-regulation, while the Close the Gap project addresses widening participation in postgraduate education between Oxford and Cambridge.
Danielle T. Cooper is an Associate Professor at the University of New Haven , affiliated with the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences and the Criminal Justice Department . She also serves as the Director of Research for the Tow Youth Justice Institute and Chair of the Criminal Justice Undergraduate Committee . Education Ph.D. in Criminology, Law, & Society, University of Florida, 2015 M.A. in Criminology, Law, & Society, University of Florida, 2011 B.S. in Justice Systems, Truman State University, 2009 Dr. Cooper’s research focuses on youths and young adults , juvenile justice policy reform , sex offender registration policies , and police-community dynamics . Her work emphasizes restorative justice , systemic equity , and prevention strategies for marginalized communities. Recent publications explore diversion programs , economic impacts of sex offender registries , and media narratives in criminal justice . Her awards highlight contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion , as well as leadership development . Scientific Awards 2019 Faculty of the Year Award 2021 MO-KAN-NE TRIO Achiever Alumni Award 2021 Faculty Excellence in DEI 2022 Martin Luther King, Jr. Vision Faculty Award 2024 RAND Pardee Fellowship She has secured grants for diversionary services and youth-police relations , and her media commentary addresses youth violence , census participation , and social justice .
Patrick Metze is Professor of Law at Texas Tech University School of Law, where he has served since 2008. He initially joined as an adjunct professor teaching the criminal defense clinic in 2007 and became a full-time Associate Professor of Law and Director of the Criminal Defense Clinics in May 2008. He was promoted to Professor of Law with tenure in September 2012. Professor Metze has established several groundbreaking clinical programs including the Capital Punishment Clinic (2010), the Caprock Regional Public Defender Office and Clinic (2010) - the first full-time public defender office operated from within a law school, and the Texas Tech School of Law Innocence Clinic (2016). Professor Metze earned his B.A. from Texas Tech University in 1970 and his J.D. from the University of Houston in 1973. Before joining academia, he maintained a private law practice in Levelland and Lubbock, Texas for over 30 years, initially handling general practice including banking, collections, corporate law, and oil and gas matters, but shifting focus to criminal and family law following the 1986 oil industry collapse in West Texas. He was one of only 14 attorneys qualified for appointment as first chair in Capital Murder cases in the 9th Administrative Judicial Region. Professor Metze's research focuses on criminal law and procedure, with particular emphasis on capital punishment, innocence projects, and the school-to-prison pipeline. His publications reveal a consistent concern with constitutional protections, ethical obligations of courts and practitioners, and systemic reforms in criminal justice. His work spans both theoretical analysis of legal principles and practical guidance for criminal defense attorneys. Among his professional recognitions, Professor Metze is a Life Fellow of The Texas Bar Foundation and maintains membership in The Pro Bono College of the State of Texas. His presentations at numerous professional seminars demonstrate his active engagement with the criminal defense bar and commitment to advancing legal practice. Professor Metze has served on various committees including the Criminal Justice Council of the State Bar of Texas, the Advisory Committee to the Lubbock Special Needs Defenders Office, and as a former board member of the Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (where he served as President) and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
