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Chris FinaretView profile

Assistant Professor

• Economic Development
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
• Development Economics
• +7 more

Chris Finaret is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Business & Economics and the Department of International Studies at Allegheny College, located in Meadville, Pennsylvania. He is based in Quigley Hall 225 and is actively engaged in teaching and campus life. Education: B.A., University of California, San Diego, 2006 M.S., London School of Economics, 2008 – Specializing in Development Economics, Policy, Strategy, and Programming Evaluation His research and professional interests center on economic development , monitoring and evaluation (M&E) , and teaching core economic principles . Drawing from extensive real-world experience, he integrates practical insights into his academic work, particularly in post-conflict development and ethical supply chains. His background in international policy and fieldwork in high-risk regions enriches his pedagogical approach and campus contributions. Although no recent publications are listed, his professional work reflects deep engagement with development policy, program evaluation, and governance in fragile states—suggesting a strong applied research orientation in development economics and policy implementation. Professional and Campus Service: Member, International Studies Department and Steering Committee Title IX Investigator at Allegheny College Coach, Women’s Ultimate Frisbee Team Community Volunteer, VITA (free tax preparation program) Member, Local Investment Cooperative Chris brings a global perspective shaped by living and working in Bolivia, Mexico, Scotland, England, Washington D.C., Colombia, DR Congo, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. He is married to a fellow Allegheny professor and is a father of three, actively participating in Meadville’s community events and local life.

Ben WagnerView profile

Professor

• Digital Rights
• Technology Policy
• Human Rights and Technology
• +9 more

Ben Wagner is a leading academic in digital rights and technology governance, holding multiple prestigious positions: University Professor of Human Rights & Technology at IT:U, Director of the AI Futures Lab on Rights and Justice at TU Delft, and Professor of Media, Technology and Society at Inholland University of Applied Sciences. He leads the Digital Rights Research Team (DRRT) and co-founded the Sustainable Media Lab (SML) in The Hague, contributing to bridging research and education. He is also a visiting researcher at Oxford University's Human Centred Computing Group and serves on the advisory board of the journal Patterns . Inholland University of Applied Sciences – Professor, Media, Technology & Society (since 2021) TU Delft – Director, AI Futures Lab on Rights and Justice IT:U – University Professor, Human Rights & Technology European University Viadrina – Founding Director, Center for Internet & Human Rights Vienna University of Economics – Director, Sustainable Computing Lab ENISA – Advisory Group Member Ben Wagner earned his PhD in Political and Social Sciences from the European University Institute in Florence in 2013, with a dissertation on freedom of expression and online content regulation. He has held research positions at Cambridge University, University of Pennsylvania, Technical University of Berlin, and European University Viadrina. His research centers on digital rights, AI governance, freedom of expression online, and the societal impact of technology. He investigates how digital infrastructures shape human rights and advocates for sustainable, accountable systems. His work spans legal, technical, and social dimensions, focusing on public sector data practices, content moderation, ethical AI, and digital inclusion. He actively promotes citizen control over technological change and interdisciplinary collaboration. The recent publications reflect a strong focus on the ethical and governance challenges of AI and data science, digital rights frameworks, and platform accountability. Themes include the gap between policy and practice in public data use, global AI ethics, content governance on social media, and co-designing digital rights labels. His work emphasizes systemic accountability, hybrid digital-physical spaces, and embedding rights into technological design. Ben Wagner is an expert advisor to the European Parliament, European Commission, OSCE, Council of Europe, and UNESCO. He is a member of the policy advisory board for ECHOES (European Cloud for Heritage OpEn Science) and contributes to high-impact publications and international discourse. His research is widely covered in global media including CNN, The Guardian, Bloomberg TV, Der Spiegel, ORF, and SWR2. He advises on and contributes to major research initiatives such as ReSocial and fabricated. He is involved in developing a new Master’s program in Data-Driven Business at Inholland and leads efforts to integrate digital rights into education and innovation. His inaugural lecture, 'The Ground Beneath our Feet,' highlights the instability of digital infrastructures and the urgent need to embed digital rights at their core. Ben co-founded the Digital Rights Research Team and the Sustainable Media Lab at Inholland, fostering collaboration across faculties and sectors. These labs focus on creating a digitally responsible society through interdisciplinary research in design, policy, and technology. The AI Futures Lab at TU Delft explores justice-oriented futures for AI, while his work at IT:U advances human rights in digital contexts.

Laura McFarlandView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Early Childhood Education
• Mental Health
• Educator Well-being
• +3 more

Laura McFarland is an Adjunct Professor in Early Childhood Education at Charles Sturt University’s School of Education. Her expertise lies in promoting mental health and well-being across children, families, and educators through relational and leadership-focused approaches. She holds a PhD in Human Development and Family Relationships from The University of Texas at Austin, complemented by an M.A. and B.A. in Psychology from the same institution. Her research emphasizes systemic solutions to foster mentally healthy early learning environments, including leadership roles in policy implementation and clinical supervision programs. Laura has contributed to national initiatives like the Be You mental health framework and serves on editorial boards for Early Childhood Education Journal and Australasian Journal of Early Childhood . Key achievements include an Australian Government OLT Teaching Citation (2016) and Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (2019). Her work addresses educator well-being, reflective practice, and workforce sustainability, with recent studies on workplace bullying and cross-national research alliances (WECARE initiative). Publications span holistic well-being measurement tools (e.g., ORICL framework), policy evaluations, and child developmental assessments. She actively bridges research with community practice through collaborative projects and advocacy for equitable childcare funding and educator compensation.

Mahesh PoudyalView profile

Lecturer

• Conservation Social Science
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Natural Resource Management
• +5 more

Dr. Mahesh Poudyal is a Lecturer in Conservation Social Science at the University of Kent's School of Anthropology and Conservation, and a member of the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE). His research focuses on socio-economic and institutional aspects of biodiversity conservation, natural resource governance, environmental justice, and the poverty-environment nexus. He has conducted fieldwork in Nepal, Madagascar, Ghana, Sweden, and other regions, examining topics such as conservation impacts on communities, customary land tenure systems, and climate change policies. Dr. Poudyal holds a PhD in Environment and Politics from the University of York (2010), with field research in Northern Ghana. Before joining Kent, he held postdoctoral positions at King’s College London (2019-2021), the ESPA Programme Directorate (2017-2018), Bangor University (2013-2017), and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (2011-2013). He is affiliated with ForestAction Nepal as a Research Fellow. His teaching includes modules on conservation and community development, ecotourism, biodiversity economics, and environmental sustainability. Current PhD supervision topics include human-snake conflict mitigation in India, equity in conservation measures, and biosphere reserve governance in Chile. Dr. Poudyal’s work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods. His recent projects include analyzing ecosystem services data through the Nature4SDGs initiative and investigating the socio-economic dimensions of conservation policies in tropical regions.

Catherine McNamaraView profile

Professor

• Applied Theatre
• Drama Education
• Gender Studies
• +7 more

Professor Catherine McNamara is Head of the Guildford School of Acting (GSA) at the University of Surrey, a leading institution in performing arts education. She plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic and student experience for over 650 students and 50 staff, ensuring excellence in training for careers in the creative and cultural sectors. Prior to this, she held significant leadership positions, including Head of School (Art, Design and Performance) at the University of Portsmouth (2019–2022) and various senior roles at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. MA, Drama and Theatre, Royal Holloway, University of London PGCE, Drama, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama PG Cert LTHE Her research is deeply rooted in social justice, focusing on Applied Theatre , gender studies , and trans and non-binary experiences in education and performance . She investigates how theatre and arts practices can empower marginalized communities, foster inclusivity, and address critical social issues. Her work often involves direct community engagement and has been recognized in the REF2014 Impact Case Study. Her recent publications and projects reveal a strong trend towards using creative, arts-based methodologies to tackle pressing social problems. A central theme is the use of interactive storytelling and digital resources—such as Cold Chips & Money —to educate young people about child criminal exploitation and County Lines. Another major strand explores trans-inclusive performance practices, co-producing trans history, and developing models for supporting LGBTQ+ youth through arts-based youth work. Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA) McNamara actively supervises PhD students in areas of applied theatre, gender, and trans experiences. Her leadership in major funded projects, such as the Wellcome Trust’s 'Rethinking Sexology' and her own 'Tackling Child Criminal Exploitation' initiative, demonstrates a strong record of securing research funding and leading interdisciplinary, community-engaged teams. She collaborates with organizations like Gendered Intelligence, the Active Communities Network, and policing and safeguarding professionals. She is a co-founder of Gendered Intelligence , a national organization dedicated to improving the lives of trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people. She also contributes to institutional governance as a member of the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences Equality, Diversity & Inclusion committee and the University Academic Leaders Forum. Her work bridges academia, community activism, and public policy, making a tangible impact on both educational practice and societal understanding.

Bret BirdsongView profile

Professor

• Public Lands and Natural Resources Law
• Water Law
• Environmental Quality Law
• +4 more

Bret Birdsong is a Professor of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) William S. Boyd School of Law , where he has taught since 2000. A nationally recognized expert in public lands, natural resources, water law, environmental quality, property law, and administrative law , he has shaped environmental legal education and policy for over two decades. Education: B.A., magna cum laude , Princeton University J.D., summa cum laude and valedictorian, University of California, Hastings College of the Law Research Interests: Professor Birdsong’s scholarship focuses on the intersection of law, conservation, and governance. His work explores the legal frameworks governing public lands and natural resources , emphasizing collaborative federal-state conservation planning , water rights and allocation , and climate change adaptation . He has written extensively on the Colorado River , sage grouse conservation , and the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan , advocating for sustainable and equitable resource management. Awards & Recognition: Secretary of Interior’s Outstanding Service Award for contributions to President Obama’s conservation agenda Government Service & Policy Impact: From 2009 to 2017, Professor Birdsong served as Deputy Solicitor for Land Resources at the U.S. Department of the Interior. In this role, he provided legal counsel to the Secretary of the Interior on high-profile conservation initiatives, including the creation and expansion of national monuments, the implementation of the sage grouse conservation program, and the development of renewable energy policies on public lands. His efforts led to groundbreaking legal frameworks for net conservation gain and environmental mitigation . Teaching & Mentorship: At UNLV, Professor Birdsong has influenced a generation of environmental law students as a co-author of the widely adopted casebook Natural Resources Law: A Place-Based Book of Problems and Cases . He teaches courses on natural resources law, water law, and environmental law, mentoring students in both academic and practical aspects of conservation law.

Nguyen Tuan AnhView profile

Professor

• Rural Sociology
• Urban Sociology
• Environmental Sociology
• +6 more

Professor Nguyen Tuan Anh serves as faculty at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), Vietnam National University, Hanoi, where he holds the position of Professor in the Faculty of Sociology and Social Work. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Social Sciences and Humanities Journal. His academic foundation includes a Bachelor's (1998) and Master's (2001) in Sociology from USSH, followed by a PhD in Social Sciences (Sociology and Anthropology) from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2010). His research focuses on Rural Sociology, Urban Sociology, Environmental Sociology, and Social Policy, with particular emphasis on social capital, kinship relations, human security, and climate change adaptation. His work demonstrates strong engagement with Vietnamese rural communities, examining traditional village structures amid modernization and globalization processes. Professor Nguyen's recent publications reveal consistent thematic patterns across environmental adaptation, migration studies, and rural development. His work frequently examines Vietnamese case studies while incorporating comparative perspectives, particularly with South Korea's Saemaul Undong movement. The research demonstrates methodological diversity, employing both qualitative ethnographic approaches and quantitative survey methods. Rockefeller Foundation Research Team Leadership (2013-2014) Toyota Foundation Research Group Leadership (2014-2015) Posco Cheongam Foundation Co-Lead Researcher (2012) Swedish Research Council Lead Participant (2012-2015) He has led numerous significant research projects including climate change impact assessment in the Hau River region (2018-2020), evaluation of craft village development in new rural construction (2016-2017), and women's roles in rural development (2015-2016). His work demonstrates strong institutional collaboration with international partners including National University of Singapore, The Toyota Foundation, and Rockefeller Foundation. Professor Nguyen's research group maintains strong connections with Vietnamese rural communities, particularly in northern provinces, conducting fieldwork on kinship systems, environmental adaptation, and rural-urban migration patterns. His work bridges academic research with practical policy applications for Vietnam's social development.

Chris FordeView profile

Professor

• Work
• Future of Work
• Migration
• +9 more

Chris Forde is Professor of Employment Studies at the University of Leeds , affiliated with the Leeds University Business School and Department of People, Work and Employment . He co-directs the Centre for Employment Relations Innovation and Change and serves as Deputy Director of the ESRC Digital Futures at Work Research Centre . His career spans multiple leadership roles, including former Head of the Work and Employment Relations Division. BA Economics and Management (First Class Honours), University of Leeds (1993) MA Economics, University of Leeds (1994) PhD, Leeds University Business School (1998) Forde's research investigates the evolution of work structures , focusing on temporary work , migrant labor dynamics , platform economy challenges , and labour market regulation . His work examines intersections between job quality , worker well-being , and business policy lobbying , employing mixed-method approaches across sectors like healthcare and aerospace. His recent publications and projects include analyses of NHS migrant workforce adaptations during Brexit and pandemic crises, union responses to post-Brexit labor shortages , and labour market reforms in Saudi Arabia. As Co-Director of the Digit Data Observatory , he leads digital work futures research. Co-investigator, ESRC Labour Mobility in Transition (LiMITS) project Co-investigator, EU Horizon 2020 Skills4Justice Project 20+ successfully supervised doctoral students Founding member, Leeds Migration Research Network

Mieke CardolView profile

Professor

• Disability Studies
• Social Participation
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• +4 more

Mieke Cardol serves as an applied research professor in 'Disability Studies; Diversity in Participation' at the Research Centre Innovations in Care, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. Her work bridges academic research with practical healthcare applications, focusing on systemic barriers to inclusion and innovative solutions for marginalized populations. Dr. Cardol earned her PhD from the University of Amsterdam in 2001 with a dissertation titled 'Autonomy and participation in medical rehabilitation,' building on her foundational career as an occupational therapist in rehabilitation medicine. This clinical background informs her participatory research methodology. Her research program critically examines societal structures through the lens of Disability Studies, with core emphases on social participation, relational autonomy, and inclusive design across healthcare, education, and community settings. She challenges deficit-based models by centering lived experiences of people with disabilities, particularly in aging, youth transitions, and creative expression contexts. Analysis of her 14 most recent publications reveals a methodological commitment to participatory approaches like photovoice and narrative inquiry, with recurring themes of citizenship, ethical care practices, and co-creation of tools such as the 'My Path' instrument. Her work spans neurodiversity, cerebral palsy, mental health, and inclusive arts, consistently advocating for policy shifts toward genuine societal belonging. Dr. Cardol actively supervises master's students, honours candidates, interns, and PhD researchers while leading multiple collaborative projects including 'ST-RAW Academic Collaborative Centre' for youth care access, 'Diversity in Career Trajectories' for disability-inclusive employment, and 'Citizenship and aging with CP.' Her grant portfolio demonstrates strong partnerships with disability organizations and government bodies. She leads the 'Disability Studies; Diversity in Participation' research group, which operates as a nexus for transdisciplinary collaboration with Disability Studies in the Netherlands, BOSK/VGR disability associations, Platform EMG parent networks, Horizon/Cardea child welfare organizations, Rotterdam municipality, Yulius/Pameijer care providers, Rijndam rehabilitation centers, UWV Rotterdam, and Ghent University. This ecosystem enables real-world testing of inclusive frameworks while training future healthcare professionals.

Anne Kjersti C. BefringView profile

Professor

• Health Law
• Administrative Law
• Constitutional Law
• +12 more

Anne Kjersti C. Befring is a Professor at the University of Oslo 's Department of Public Law. She is one of the Nordic countries' leading experts in health law and life sciences , with a focus on genetic mapping , AI in healthcare , and data privacy regulations . Doctorate in Law (2019) on Legal Perspectives on Personalized Medicine Co-founder of the Nordic PerMed Law network (2019-2021) Current legal researcher in the Morgi life science project (2022-present) Her research spans health law , administrative law , and constitutional law , particularly examining how GDPR intersects with national healthcare regulations, patient rights in data sharing, and ethical issues in gene therapy. Recent publications focus on: AI's impact on medical decision-making Legal frameworks for biobanks Personalized medicine governance Pandemic emergency legal measures Laboratory data privacy protocols She supervises PhD candidates Vibeke Binz Vallevik (synthetic data for AI) and Ole Boye (gene therapy). Befring served as Deputy Chair of Norway's National Research Ethics Committee for Medicine and Health Sciences (NEM) from 2022-2025 and has contributed to critical policy discussions around data ethics and public health governance .

Tegwen MalikView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Artificial Intelligence
• Biomimicry
• Water Management
• +5 more

Dr. Tegwen Malik, a Senior Lecturer at Swansea University's School of Management and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), bridges artificial intelligence research with biomimetic innovations. Her multifaceted roles include Deputy Programme Director for MSc Management, Director of Education and Content at the i-Lab Research Centre, and leadership in the "Global and Social Challenges" theme. Senior Lecturer, School of Management (since 2022) Deputy Director, MSc Management Programme Director of Education, i-Lab Research Centre UKAT Recognised Practitioner in Advising Her research explores Artificial Intelligence applications across sectors, particularly in higher education, and biomimicry innovations for water management in arid regions. Collaborative work spans engineering (Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating), medicine, and management, with external partnerships at Lifescaped, MIT, and ESPCI. Recent publications analyze agentic AI systems , generative AI impacts , and bioinspired water collection mechanisms. The 2023 I3E Conference awarded her for transformative AI research in education. Best Research Paper Award, I3E 2023 Brazil Co-PI on international projects (Lifescaped, MIT, ESPCI) Supervisor for 4 active PhD students Editorial reviewer for Government Information Quarterly and Information & Organisation Dr. Malik also investigates digital marketing adoption , operations management , and international standards , with practical experience in product commercialization and transnational projects. Her teaching focuses on mathematics and analytics for business , reaching over 600 MSc Management students annually.

Gentian ZyberiView profile

Professor

• International Human Rights Law
• International Humanitarian Law
• International Criminal Law
• +3 more

Gentian Zyberi is Professor of International Law and Human Rights at the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Oslo, where he serves as Head of Department (2025-2027). He holds significant international appointments including Member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (2016-2028), Member of the Scientific Committee of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2023-2028), and President of the Albanian branch of the International Law Association (2014-present). His educational background includes: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B, 2000) from Tirana University School of Law, Albania Master of Laws (LL.M, 2002) from Utrecht University School of Law, Netherlands Doctor of Laws (PhD, 2008) in International Law from Utrecht University School of Law, Netherlands Professor Zyberi's research focuses on the role of international courts and tribunals in developing human rights, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. His work explores the protection of community interests in international law, the operationalization of the Responsibility to Protect doctrine, and transitional justice processes with special focus on the Balkan region. His interdisciplinary approach bridges legal theory with practical application in conflict resolution and human rights protection. His extensive publication record demonstrates consistent engagement with core themes in international law. Recent works show increasing focus on the intersection of human rights and humanitarian law, the evolving role of international courts, and the practical implementation of international law at domestic levels. His scholarship addresses contemporary challenges including the impact of politics on human rights bodies, the application of international law in specific national contexts like Albania, and emerging issues related to conscientious objection and interim measures in human rights protection. Professor Zyberi has held several prestigious appointments that reflect recognition of his expertise: Member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (2016-2028) Member of the UN Human Rights Committee (2019-2022) Member of the Scientific Committee of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (2023-2028) His professional experience combines academic work with practical application of international law. He served for eight years (2004-2012) with the defense at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), acted as legal advisor for the Albanian team in Kosovo's independence declaration case before the ICJ (2009), and participated in the Albanian legal team for the ICJ advisory opinion on climate change (2024). He has advised multiple states and NGOs on international law matters and has contributed to numerous research projects including Erasmus+ Global Mobility with the University of Prishtina and NORHED II project "Partnership for Peace." Professor Zyberi is actively involved in several research groups including the Climate Law Expert Group, International Law and International Governance Research Group, and groups focused on Global Challenges to Human Rights and Human Rights in Armed Conflicts. His leadership extends to editorial roles for the Nordic Journal of Human Rights and co-editing significant publications in international law.

• European Union Law
• Digital Governance
• Judicial Cooperation in Civil Matters
• +5 more

Joana Covelo de Abreu is an Assistant Professor at the School of Law of the University of Minho since 2021. She previously held positions as Invited Professor (2015-2021) and Invited Assistant (2013-2015) at the same institution, and was an Invited Main Researcher at the MEP CRUZ's Cabinet of the European Parliament (2014). PhD in EU Law (2012-2015) Master's in Judicial Law (2008-2011) Degree in Law (2004-2008) Her research focuses on European Union Law , Digital Governance , and Judicial Cooperation . Key subtopics include Administrative Interoperability , Data Protection , Artificial Intelligence in Legal Systems , Electronic Health , and Digital Sustainability . Recent works analyze the role of AI in EU e-Justice , cross-border credit collection under digital paradigms, and judicial integration in EU litigation. She has contributed to edited volumes on digital democracy , cybersecurity ethics , and administrative principles in digital public services . Scientific awards: FCT grant SFRH-BD-79320-2011 Current research funding: Jean Monnet Network ENDE (2023-2026), eUjust project (2019-2022) Abreu has participated in multidisciplinary teams including Alessandra Silveira, Pedro Bacelar Vasconcelos, and Francisco Carneiro Pacheco Andrade, contributing to reports on cybersecurity and legal encyclopedias.

Frank Schulz-NieswandtView profile

Professor

• European Social Policy
• Qualitative Social Research
• Co-operative Economics
• +5 more

Frank Schulz-Nieswandt is a Professor at the Department of Cooperative Studies within the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Cologne, focusing on European Social Policy, Qualitative Social Research, and Co-operative Economics. He has held significant roles including Speaker of the Cologne Round Table of Scientific Institutions, Chief Editor of the Journal of Public and Non-Profit Enterprises (ZögU), and Professor of Honour at the Theological University of Vallendar. Key Affiliations: University of Cologne Theological University of Vallendar Research Interests include aging studies, social policy analysis, and existential philosophy applied to public services. His work explores the intersection of qualitative research and co-operative economic models. Scientific Contributions span publications on social exclusion, healthcare transformations, and EU regulatory systems. Notable awards and memberships involve leadership in the Cologne Networks of Public Services and advisory roles in major German public service organizations. He has contributed extensively to academic networks and journals while maintaining active research in aging-associated social challenges and qualitative methodologies.

• Sustainable Supply Chains
• Decent Work in Low-Income Countries
• Global Development
• +3 more

Huib Huyse is a Lecturer and Research Manager at the Faculty of Social Sciences , KU Leuven, where he leads the Sustainable Development Research Group and Subdivision Sustainable Development. He is a member of HIVA Division, Leuven One Health Institute, and LIM - KU Leuven Institute for Mobility. As a part-time faculty member, his work bridges academic research and policy implementation. Faculty of Social Sciences Sustainable Development Research Group HIVA Division Leuven One Health KU Leuven Institute for Mobility (LIM) Research interests include sustainable supply chains, decent work in low-income countries, SDGs, monitoring & evaluation, and citizen science applications to air quality and mobility. His projects focus on bridging gaps in sustainability reporting, advancing higher education for sustainable development, food supply chain due diligence, and inclusive economic governance. Scientific awards : None explicitly mentioned in the text. Key memberships include Faculteitsraad Sociale Wetenschappen (part-time member), POC Sociologie, and Interfacultaire Raad voor Mondiale Ontwikkeling (IRMO).