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Suzanne Leroy is a Professor of Geography and Earth Sciences at Brunel University, where she chairs the Institute for the Environment and leads the 'Catastrophic and Environmental Change' Research Group. Her career spans international coordination of climate research programs, including roles at the University of Berne (PAGES/IGBP) and Queen's University, Belfast. Current position: Professor and Research Group Leader Institution: Brunel University (Institute for the Environment) Department: Geography and Earth Sciences Leroy's research focuses on palaeoclimatology and palaeoecological reconstruction , using pollen analysis and multi-proxy data to study environmental changes from the Pliocene to modern times. She specializes in natural hazards , particularly seismic impacts on lake ecosystems and Caspian Sea level fluctuations , integrating biogeography and atmospheric modeling . Her recent publications and projects highlight collaborations with institutions like the Max Planck Institute and Ministry of Education, Spain , addressing topics such as anthropogenic climate impacts , volcanic ash stratigraphy , and vegetation history in Mediterranean and Central Asian regions. The Marie Curie IRSES CLIMSEAS project (2010-2014) dominates her current research trajectory. Nature highlight (2007) for groundbreaking insect population-climate correlation Key methodologies: Pollen, diatom, and geochemical analysis Fieldwork locations: Dead Sea, Caspian Sea, Lake Sapanca, Lake Ulubat Leroy's laboratory at Brunel University houses advanced facilities for grain size analysis , pollen/dinocyst extraction , geochemical studies , and magnetic susceptibility measurements . She supervises postgraduate research students and contributes to climate modeling and paleoenvironmental database development .

• Palynology
• Palaeoecology
• Palaeoclimatology
• +6 more

Lucas Rambo Bender is an Associate Professor on Term in the Department of East Asian Languages & Literatures at Yale University. His research and teaching focus on Chinese literature and thought from the medieval period (200–1100 CE), with particular attention to interdisciplinary intersections between literature, philosophy, religion, and political thought. He can be reached at luke.bender@yale.edu . Specializing in medieval Chinese intellectual history, Bender explores how elite writing from this era transcends modern Western disciplinary boundaries. His work bridges philosophical and literary sources to reinterpret Chinese thought through poetry and vice versa. Key themes include the role of poetry in historical narratives, the entanglement of Buddhism with Xuanxue (Dark Learning), and the evolution of ethnocultural identity discourses in Tang textual culture. Recent publications highlight his analysis of Tang and Song poetry, narrative theory, and the interplay between Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism during China’s Period of Division. Notably, his monograph Du Fu Transforms (2021) recontextualizes the Tang poet’s work as a pivot between pre- and post-Tang literary paradigms. Other articles examine frontier poetry’s political implications, the rhetorical politics of Guo Xiang’s Zhuangzi commentary, and the use of poetic omens in literary history.

• Chinese Literature
• Medieval Chinese Thought
• Poetry Analysis
• +7 more

Dr. Garret J. Martin is a Senior Lecturer at American University's School of International Service (SIS) in the Department of Foreign Policy and Global Security. He serves as Co-Director of the Transatlantic Policy Center and Director of Graduate Studies for his department. Education: PhD from the London School of Economics and Political Science Dr. Martin specializes in EU-US relations, transatlantic security, NATO, and European politics with a focus on France and the United Kingdom. His expertise spans US foreign policy, European strategic autonomy, and Cold War history. His recent publications analyze NATO’s evolving role, EU-US dynamics, and the political legacies of UK leaders. Key themes include transatlantic security, strategic reviews, and the interplay between historical context and modern policy. Dr. Martin frequently provides commentary to global media outlets such as BBC, CNN, and The Washington Post, and teaches graduate courses like SIS-653: Transatlantic Security and SIS-760: Complex Problems in International Affairs.

• EU-US relations
• Transatlantic security
• NATO
• +9 more

Dr Weipin Tsai is a Senior Lecturer in Modern Chinese History and Director of Research at the Department of History, Royal Holloway, University of London. His research focuses on modern Chinese history from the late Qing to the Republican period, particularly Chinese modernization and global engagement through institutions like the Chinese Maritime Customs Service and the Postal Service. Key interests include communication networks, print culture, and treaty port dynamics. His current Leverhulme Trust-funded project explores the history of Chinese private letter hongs (minxinju), examining local-driven modernization through pre-20th century courier systems. Notable works include The Making of China’s Post Office (Harvard UP, 2024) and studies on postal maps and commodity networks. Recent research highlights include analyses of the 1873 Vienna Exhibition port catalogues and the role of postal infrastructure in shaping national identity. Tsai collaborates internationally on projects such as Jiao merchants’ commodity networks and Taiwanese colonial dynamics. He supervises PhD students on modern Chinese history topics and has held roles including editor of the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society . His work bridges local and global perspectives to understand historical agency in China’s engagement with modernity.

• Chinese Modernisation
• Globalisation
• Postal Communication Networks
• +5 more

Dr. Xiaoping Cong is a Professor of History at the University of Houston's Department of History within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, where she has served since 2001. Her research focuses on late imperial and 20th century China, with expertise in women's history, intellectual history, legal history, and the history of modern education. She teaches comprehensive courses on Chinese history from early civilization to the present and specialized seminars on gender, education, and revolutionary China. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. from UCLA (2001) Dr. Cong's scholarship examines critical intersections of gender, law, and education in China's transformation. Her work reveals how marriage disputes became ideological tools, how teachers' schools fueled revolution, and how women's roles evolved through state-building processes. Using interdisciplinary methodologies, she analyzes legal documents, revolutionary literature, and educational policies to reconstruct China's social metamorphosis from imperial collapse to communist modernity. Her research consistently centers on marginalized voices within grand historical narratives. Her publications demonstrate sustained focus on revolutionary-era legal transformations and gender construction. Articles chronicle the evolution from 'freedom of marriage' to state-directed unions, judicial innovations in base areas, and the repurposing of traditional genealogies. This body of work forms a cohesive exploration of how personal relationships became political battlegrounds during China's revolutionary century. Scientific recognition includes: Academic Excellence Award from the Chinese Historian in the US (CHUS) Association (2008) for Teachers' Schools and the Making of Modern Chinese Nation-state, 1897-1937 Research funding highlights: Fulbright Research Scholar Grant to China (2008-09) ACLS-American Research of Humanities in China grant sponsored by NEH (2008-09) She mentors graduate students through seminars on 'Education and Society in Late Imperial and Twentieth-Century China' and 'China in World History,' guiding research on revolutionary social transformations and transnational historical connections. No dedicated laboratory or research team structure is documented in available materials.

• Women's History
• Intellectual History
• Legal History
• +3 more

Dr Hui Feng (冯辉) is a Senior Lecturer at Griffith University's School of Government and International Relations and a member of the Griffith Asia Institute since 2013. He previously served as a Research Fellow at the University of Queensland from 2010 to 2013 and was awarded an ARC Future Fellowship from 2016 to 2020. Dr Feng also held the position of senior visiting fellow at the National University of Singapore. His educational background includes a PhD from The University of Queensland (2003), an MA from Peking University (1998), and a BA from Shandong University (1995). Dr Feng is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, which enables him to engage directly with Chinese academic and policy literature. Dr Feng's research focuses on globalisation, international and Chinese political economy, with particular emphasis on the politics of trade, investment and finance, digital economy regulation, and Chinese politics. His work demonstrates a deep engagement with China's financial system, central banking policies, and economic reforms. He has published extensively in major international journals including Review of International Political Economy, Political Studies, and Modern China, as well as contributing to policy-oriented publications through Central Banking journal. His recent publications reveal a growing interest in China's digital currency initiatives, mobile payment systems, and the geopolitical dimensions of China's economic policies. The 15 most recent articles show a consistent pattern of examining China's financial reforms through both theoretical and policy lenses, with increasing attention to digital finance and the internationalization of the renminbi. ARC Future Fellow (2016-2020) Senior visiting fellow of National University Singapore Contributing Editor of Central Banking journal since 2022 Council member of Chinese Studies Association of Australia since 2022 Dr Feng has secured significant research funding including a US Department of State grant on mobile payment platforms in the Asia Pacific (2021-2022, $128,944), an Australian Research Council grant on central banking in China (2021-2009, $260,000), and an ARC Future Fellowship (2016-2024, $671,196). He currently supervises doctoral research on aid policy in Indonesia and previously supervised research on Latin American engagement with China. His teaching portfolio includes courses on Government Business Nexus, American Politics, and Government and Business.

• Globalisation
• International Political Economy
• Chinese Political Economy
• +3 more

Dr. Kevin Hsieh is a Professor of Art Education at the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design within Georgia State University’s College of the Arts. He holds a Ph.D. in Art Education from Pennsylvania State University and a Master's degree from National Pingtung University of Education in Taiwan. His research focuses on interdisciplinary art education, Chinese art history, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and technology integration in teaching. Dr. Hsieh is the recipient of the 2012 Georgia Art Education Association’s Higher Education Educator of the Year Award and the 2021 Georgia State University Honors College Faculty Award for Fine Arts Education. His work emphasizes global cultural competencies, leading annual study abroad programs in China. Key research interests include queer pedagogy, museum education strategies, and innovative material-based art projects rooted in historical artifacts like Han Dynasty bronze mirrors and Yuan Dynasty seals. He has published widely in journals such as Studies in Art Education , Visual Arts Research , and Curriculum Resources , addressing topics ranging from LGBTQ+ representation to STEAM education integration. Hsieh has secured multiple grants for projects exploring cultural pedagogy and technology-enhanced learning. His academic service includes contributions to the National Art Education Association and leadership in the Asian Art and Culture Interest Group, advocating for inclusive curricula and cross-cultural art education initiatives.

• Interdisciplinary Art Education
• Chinese Art History
• Museum Education
• +2 more

Amanda Respess is an Assistant Professor of premodern world history at The Ohio State University. Her research focuses on the exchange of medicines, technology, and trade goods along the Maritime Silk Road, particularly through the analysis of shipwreck artifacts from the Indian Ocean World. She specializes in the intersections of material culture, Islamicate science, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, advocating for decolonized approaches to global scientific history. Respess holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology and History (2020) and a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies (2020), both from the University of Michigan. Her current book project examines premodern medical exchanges between Iran and China using shipwreck artifacts, challenging Eurocentric narratives in museum representation. Research Interests: Maritime Silk Road, Persianate presence in the Indian Ocean, shipwreck material culture, medical anthropology, Islamicate science. Awards/Grants: NSF Fellowship, Boone Scholars Internship at The Field Museum, Rackham Program in Public Scholarship. Her work bridges archaeology and critical museum studies, emphasizing the afterlives of trade artifacts and reinterpreting global scientific histories through a decolonial lens. She has published widely on Southeast Asian shipwrecks and maritime globalization in the medieval period.

• East Asian History
• Medieval History
• Islamic History
• +6 more

Dr Michael Nicholson was a University Lecturer at the University of Oxford and Emeritus Fellow & Dean of Degrees at University College, Oxford. He specialized in Modern Russian Literature, particularly the works of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and Varlam Shalamov. His research explored themes such as the Gulag experience, Soviet literature, and comparative analysis of Russian authors like Dostoevsky and Chekhov. Nicholson held an Honorary Professorship at Henan University, China (2005), and served as O'Connor Visiting Professor at Colgate University. He curated exhibitions on Solzhenitsyn's legacy and translated several of his writings, including the 2013 film scenario Tanks Know the Truth . Education: B.A. from the University of Manchester, followed by M.A. and D.Phil. His academic contributions span over four decades, with a focus on Russian literary history and cultural analysis. Research Interests: Nicholson’s work emphasized the intersection of history and literature, particularly in analyzing Solzhenitsyn’s evolution as a writer and the socio-political contexts of Soviet-era literature. His studies often combined textual analysis with broader cultural critiques, such as Solzhenitsyn as 'Socialist Realist' (2010) and comparative studies like Chekhov and Solzhenitsyn (2011). Awards: Honorary Professor of Henan University (2005). His academic outreach included curating the 2018 Alexander Solzhenitsyn Centenary Exhibition at Taylor Institution Library, Oxford, which featured a blog and video lectures. Legacy: Though passed away in 2022, Nicholson’s scholarship remains influential in Russian literary studies. His translations and critical essays continue to shape understanding of Solzhenitsyn’s and Shalamov’s contributions to 20th-century literature.

• Russian Literature
• 20th Century Literature
• Gulag Literature
• +3 more

Diao Shan is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chinese Studies within the College of Humanities at the University of Göttingen. They also serve as a Study Advisor for the BA Modern Sinology program. Completed a BA in German Language and Literature at Renmin University of China MA in Intercultural German Studies from Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Worked as a student assistant (2017-2019) and research assistant (2018-2019) Research focuses on the transformation of time and space concepts during China's late Qing Dynasty and Republican era, particularly through the lens of scientification processes . Their MA thesis analyzed calendar reform debates (1873-1912) using discourse analysis, while their PhD project examines the reception of science in early 20th-century China and the Weimar Republic, centered on the "Science and Life" controversy . This work bridges modern Chinese history , science studies , and comparative intellectual history . Professional experience includes designing workshops on Chinese-Western cultural relations, with responsibilities in intercultural competence training. Office hours are available by appointment in Room KWZ 0.729 (extension 39-29206).

• Modern Chinese History
• History of Science
• Cultural Transformation
• +3 more

Sonya Grypma is a Full Professor in the School of Nursing at Trinity Western University (TWU), serving since 2007. She held leadership roles as Dean of Nursing (2013-2019), Dean of GLOBAL (2019-2021), and Vice Provost of Graduate Studies (2019-2022), alongside roles as TWU’s Senior Health Advisor for COVID-19 (2020-2022). Her academic background includes a BSN and MScN from the University of Calgary and a PhD in Nursing from the University of Alberta, complemented by a SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowship at UBC. Grypma’s research focuses on transnational nursing history, particularly Canadian-American-Chinese nursing networks before 1948. She has authored three books and numerous articles on missionary healthcare, including Healing Henan (2008) and Nursing Shifts in Sichuan (2021). Her awards include the Christie Dissertation Award (2005) and SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowship (2005-2007). Keynote presentations span four continents, addressing topics like nursing education history and global health ethics. Grypma’s teaching spans undergraduate to graduate levels, including courses on nursing history and leadership. Her work bridges historical analysis with contemporary healthcare challenges, emphasizing interdisciplinary and transnational perspectives. Education: Bachelor of Nursing, University of Calgary Master of Nursing, University of Calgary PhD (Nursing), University of Alberta SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowship (2007, UBC) Research Highlights: Grypma’s work examines how pre-WHO nursing networks shaped global health practices, particularly in China. Recent projects analyze wartime nursing in Sichuan and the impact of missionary education models. Her scholarship critiques historical amnesia in nursing narratives and advocates for integrating history into modern healthcare education. Grants & Collaboration: Her research has been supported by SSHRC and international collaborations, including partnerships with Chinese institutions (e.g., Henan People’s Provincial Hospital). She has advised on nursing education reforms in Canada and China. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with global nursing historians and participates in TWU’s interdisciplinary health initiatives.

• Transnational Nursing History
• Global Health
• Missionary Networks
• +3 more

Jingyi Jenny Zhao is a Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with Clare Hall and the Needham Research Institute. Her research bridges ancient Greek and early Chinese philosophy, focusing on comparative ethics, moral psychology, and cross-cultural reception. She co-edited Ancient Greece and China Compared (Cambridge University Press, 2018) and authored Aristotle and Xunzi on Shame, Moral Education, and the Good Life (Oxford University Press, 2024). Her work examines shame as a moral emotion across civilizations, analyzing educational frameworks in Aristotle and Xunzi. Publications explore childhood in premodern China and methodological challenges in cross-cultural comparisons. Outreach includes public engagement on classical traditions and a children's book, Adventures with the Ancients . Dr. Zhao participates in global conferences on philosophy and classical reception.

• Ancient Greek Philosophy
• Early Chinese Philosophy
• Comparative Ethics
• +3 more

Catherine Ingram is a Senior Lecturer at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, The University of Sydney, specializing in ethnomusicology and contemporary Chinese cultural studies. Her research focuses on the music of China’s minority groups, particularly the Kam (Dong) people of southwestern China, with a particular emphasis on Kam 'big song'—a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage. She holds a BMus(Hons) and PhD from the University of Melbourne and a Dip Ed from La Trobe University. Previously, she held fellowships at SOAS (UK), the International Institute of Asian Studies (Netherlands), and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Her research explores collaborative ethnomusicological methods, digital archiving, and the role of music in cultural heritage preservation. She has conducted extensive fieldwork in Kam communities, producing co-authored publications and establishing digital archives with PARADISEC. Ingram also investigates the intersection of music with gender, environment, and sociocultural change. Current projects include a comparative study of cultural minorities in Australia and China, examining music’s role in agency and social engagement. In teaching, she lectures on ethnomusicology, East Asian gender politics, and human rights, and supervises PhD, Masters, and Honours students. Her international collaborations span institutions in China, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and Hong Kong. Ingram is affiliated with the China Studies Centre and Sydney Environment Institute at the University of Sydney. Her awards include the Nadel Essay Prize (2011) and grants from the Australian Research Council and Royal Society. Key publications include Environmental Preservation and Cultural Heritage in China (2013) and Presence Through Sound: Music and Place in East Asia (2020). Ingram’s work bridges academic research with community engagement, emphasizing ethical collaboration and sustainable archival practices.

• Ethnomusicology
• Chinese Music Culture
• Cultural Heritage Studies
• +4 more

Goetz Richter is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney’s Sydney Conservatorium of Music, specializing in violin performance and philosophy. He holds a PhD in philosophy from the University of Sydney (2007) and has dual expertise in music performance and academic research. His roles include coordinating violin performance studies and supervising higher-degree students. Richter previously served as Associate Concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (1987–2002), with additional orchestral leadership roles in Australia and internationally. Education and Philosophy: Completed performance studies at Munich’s Hochschule für Musik under Gerhart Hetzel, Max Rostal, Arthur Grumiaux, and Riccardo Odnopossoff. His PhD research explored philosophy of science and music. He initiated the cross-disciplinary 'Elective Affinities' project (2012) linking music and philosophy. Research Interests: Philosophy of music performance, violin pedagogy, ontological aspects of music, and historical performance practices. Notable works include The Congruence of Philosophy and Music (2008) and translations of Eugen Fink’s writings on Nietzsche. Recent research explores musical interpretation through phenomenology and hermeneutics. Publications/Contributions: Over 30 scholarly works including books, journal articles, and conference papers. Key topics: Plato’s aesthetics, Nietzsche’s philosophy, and pedagogical innovations in string performance. Active in editorial roles for String Praxis and international music journals. Teaching and Leadership: Chair of Strings at Sydney Conservatorium since 1997, mentoring students who excel in international competitions. Founded the Camden Haven Music Festival and Kendall National Violin Competition. Guest faculty at the Euro Arts Festival (Leipzig) and visiting professor at Wuhan Conservatorium, China. Orchestral Advocacy: Played key roles in musicians’ unions and industry reforms, including negotiating the 1995 Musicians’ Enterprise Agreement. Served on the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Board (2007–2016) addressing sustainable orchestral practices and artist well-being. Performance Projects: Collaborations with leading artists (Hermann Baumann, Jeanell Carrigan) and global recitals spanning Australia, Europe, Asia. Active in chamber music ensembles like Trio Novalis and the Sydney Schubert Society.

• Music Performance
• Philosophy of Music
• Violin Pedagogy
• +3 more

Mabel Lee is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the China Studies Centre. She holds a BA Hons I and PhD from the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on modern Chinese intellectual history and literature, particularly the works of Nobel Laureate Gao Xingjian and poet Yang Lian. Her current project involves translating Gao Xingjian’s Calling for a Renaissance in Art and Literature for publication. Lee has authored numerous books and edited volumes, including Painting History: China's Revolution in a Global Context (2018) and Lu Xun and Australia (2016). Her work examines transmedia aesthetics, comparative literature, and the intersection of philosophy with Chinese literary traditions. Key research interests include Gao Xingjian’s absurdist aesthetics influenced by Chan Buddhism, the global context of Chinese revolutionary art, and Lu Xun’s literary legacy. Lee’s publications span academic monographs, peer-reviewed articles, and translations of major literary works. She has presented at international conferences and contributed to journals such as PORTAL Journal of Multidisciplinary International Studies and Frontiers of Literary Studies in China . Lee’s scholarly contributions bridge Chinese literary history with global intellectual movements, emphasizing cross-cultural aesthetics and transcultural analysis. Her work highlights the significance of modern Chinese writers in international literary discourse.

• Modern Chinese Literature
• Chinese Intellectual History
• Translation Studies
• +3 more