Find Academic Supervisors

Christine SchmalenbachView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cooperative Learning
• Social and Emotional Development
• Inclusive Education
• +3 more

Prof. Christine Schmalenbach is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at the University of Hamburg's Faculty of Education. Her work focuses on learning processes in challenging contexts, cooperative learning, and inclusive education. She leads the Faculty Research Center 'Literacy in Diversity Settings (LiDS)' and holds a tenure-track position (W2) in Special Education with a focus on learning and emotional/social development. Education: PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences (2017), TU Dortmund (summa cum laude) Art Therapy Training (2010–2015), Werkstatt für Kunst und Therapie, Münster Special Education Teaching Degree (2003–2007), PH Ludwigsburg Research Interests: Christine explores cooperative learning dynamics in diverse classrooms, social-emotional development programs (e.g., SeELe), and educational interventions in high-risk contexts like El Salvador. She emphasizes participatory approaches and cultural sensitivity in curriculum design. Selected Projects: SeGEL-Sek1 : Design-Based Research on self-regulated social-emotional learning materials for urban schools RAICES : Teacher training in El Salvador during crises LIFE Program : University-student mentoring for marginalized youth Awards & Honors: Elizabeth Cohen Award (2019) for doctoral work on cooperative learning in El Salvador DAAD Fellowships (2013–2017) for international research collaborations Advising & Grants: Christine advises on international educational initiatives (e.g., Nehemiah International NGO) and coordinates projects funded by the Kurt & Käthe Klinger Foundation. She mentors students in mixed-methods research design and implementation. Labs/Teams: Her research group collaborates with institutions in Germany and El Salvador to develop scalable educational tools like the SeELe program materials.

Caroline C.M. HummelsView profile

Professor

• Sustainable Societal Transformation
• Embodied Interaction
• Design Philosophy Correspondence
• +6 more

Prof. Caroline C.M. Hummels is a Full Professor in Industrial Design at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), leading transformative design research focused on sustainable societal change. She holds a cum laude MSc and PhD from Delft University of Technology. Her work integrates design, philosophy, and practice to address complex challenges like climate adaptation and health inequity through embodied interaction, participatory sensemaking, and systemic design approaches. Key roles include Vice-Chair of the Systemic Change group, former Director of Education for Industrial Design, and founder of the TEI conference. She collaborates with organizations like Philips Design and the Province of North Brabant to co-create transformative practices. Her research emphasizes 'design-philosophy correspondence,' using design to explore ethical and existential questions about societal futures. Notable contributions include developing the d.centre|EU framework for sustainable transformation and pioneering methods like 'embodied aesthetics interactions.' She has delivered over 100 keynotes/invited talks globally and received the Frits Top 50 Influential Women Award (2013). Current projects include systemic design in agrifood systems and ethical value-sensitive design education initiatives. Education: MSc Industrial Design (cum laude), TU Delft (1993) PhD Industrial Design (cum laude), TU Delft (1993) Research focuses on: - Embodied interaction and non-discursive philosophy - Participatory methodologies for co-responsibility - Design strategies for socio-technical systems transformation - Ethical frameworks for emerging technologies Awards: Frits Top 50 most influential women (2013) Grants include €2M+ in EU-funded projects (Horizon 2020, TKI2106), with active collaborations across academia, industry, and government. She supervises over 100 graduate students and mentors early-career researchers through ID-dock consultancy (2004-2016).

Deborah HallView profile

Professor

• Tinnitus
• Well-being
• Positive Education
• +5 more

Deborah Hall is a Professor in the School of Social Sciences and Psychology at Heriot-Watt University, with roles spanning Edinburgh and Malaysia campuses. She holds a first-class honors degree in Psychology from Brunel University and a PhD from Birmingham University (1996). Her research focuses on tinnitus, well-being, and positive education, with over 150 publications and a h-index of 50+. She has supervised 16 PhD students and pioneered auditory fMRI research funded by the MRC. Currently Global Head of Psychology, she leads international initiatives in cognitive neuroscience and translational research. Notable collaborations include work with Autifony Therapeutics and Neuromod Devices, advancing clinical trials for tinnitus treatment. Her work aligns with UN SDGs on health and well-being, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and patient-centered outcomes. Education History: BSc Psychology (First Class), Brunel University (UK) PhD Psychology, University of Birmingham (1996) Research Interests: Neuroscience of tinnitus Clinical interventions for hearing disorders Positive psychology in education Cross-cultural healthcare outcomes Translational research methodologies Recent Articles Highlight: Core outcome measures for tinnitus trials Cultural pedagogy during Ramadan Neuromodulation for symptom reduction Grants & Collaborations: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Autifony Therapeutics (QUIET-1 trial) Neuromod Devices (FDA-approved Lenire device) Labs/Teams: Global Psychology Department leadership, ESIT-SQ screening questionnaire development, and international tinnitus research networks.

• Urban Morphology
• Urban Studies
• Sense of Place
• +4 more

Mirko Guaralda is an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology's School of Architecture & Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering. He holds a PhD from Politecnico di Milano and has extensive international collaborations with institutions in Indonesia, Poland, Colombia, and Thailand. His research focuses on urban morphology, sense of place, and community-centered design aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. He has supervised over 20 HDR candidates and delivered workshops globally on placemaking and sustainable urban development. Dr. Guaralda's expertise spans urban design, architectural pedagogy, and knowledge innovation spaces. He pioneered the City 4.0 Lab and led transdisciplinary projects like the Logan Citystudio, fostering collaboration between academia, government, and industry. His teaching emphasizes typo-morphological approaches and industry engagement, with roles in architectural design studios across multiple countries. Key research areas include medium-density urban development, climate adaptation, and digital placemaking. His recent work explores circular urban paradigms, playable digital interventions, and gender-inclusive public spaces. Awards include the 2015 Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence (Engagement). Publications span urban climate design, missing-middle housing typologies, and environmental color frameworks. Collaborations with UN-Habitat and international conferences highlight his global impact in shaping equitable, sustainable cities.

• Adult Education
• Lifelong Learning
• Vocational Education and Training
• +5 more

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elena Rizova is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Pedagogy, Faculty of Philosophy, University “St. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje. Her expertise spans adult education, lifelong learning, educational policy, and inclusive education. She holds a PhD in Pedagogical Sciences (2012) and has extensive experience in national and regional education policy creation, analysis, and implementation. She leads the Lifelong Learning Centre at her faculty and chairs the Council for Adult Education of North Macedonia (2013–2017). Her academic journey includes teaching courses such as Andragogy of Labor, Validation of Non-Formal Learning, and Literacy and Primary Education of Adults. She has authored over 20 publications since 2011, focusing on Roma minority education challenges, disability inclusion, and EU-funded projects like the Regional Andragogy Academy. Her work emphasizes literacy programs, policy reforms, and innovative teaching tools like augmented reality in higher education. Leadership: National coordinator for multiple EU projects, including the Erasmus+ funded UNITY initiative. Membership: Editorial boards of journals like Adult Education and International Journal of Education, Research and Training . Languages: Fluent in English, with proficiency in French, Spanish, Serbian, and Croatian. Key awards include a DVV International scholarship for her Master’s in Andragogy. Her research highlights the intersection of education policy, technology, and marginalized group inclusion.

• Sexuality Studies
• Gender Studies
• Feminism
• +3 more

Emily Prior is Adjunct Professor in Psychology at Woodbury University, with additional adjunct positions across Southern California institutions. As co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Positive Sexuality and Executive Director of the Center for Positive Sexuality, her work advances sex-positive frameworks in academia and clinical practice. Research explores marginalized sexualities through qualitative and mixed-methods approaches. Key publications examine BDSM practices, polyamory, and vampire subcultures, advocating for destigmatization in social work and mental health services. Her scholarship develops practical frameworks for ethical negotiation in alternative sexual practices. Teaching integrates perspectives from psychology, sociology, and anthropology to examine sexuality's intersection with identity formation, social norms, and policy development.

• International Marketing
• Geopolitics
• Islamic Business
• +3 more

Professor Cédomir NESTOROVIC is a faculty member at the ESSEC Business School’s Asia-Pacific campus in Singapore, holding the rank of Professor. He specializes in geopolitics, international marketing, and Islamic business management. He earned a Ph.D. in Geopolitics and a DEA in Soviet and Eastern European Studies from Sciences Po Paris. Currently, he serves as academic co-director of the MBA program at Arabian Gulf University (Bahrain) and leads the ESSEC Executive MBA in Asia-Pacific. His research focuses on Islamic finance, Halal markets, and geopolitical business strategies. Key roles include Director of ESSEC Executive MBA Asia-Pacific (2013–present) and co-founder of academic conferences on Islamic marketing. He has authored influential books like Marketing in an Islamic Environment (2007) and Geopolitics and Business (2023). Awards include the Financial Times’ “Professor of the Week” (2012). His research spans geopolitical risks, Islamic finance, and cross-cultural marketing. Notable works analyze Halal market opportunities in France, Malaysia’s global Halal leadership, and post-conflict diaspora roles. He frequently consults with firms like Pernod-Ricard and appears on BBC and French media. Professional activities include roles at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and editorships of business publications.

Douglas BRYSONView profile

Assistant Professor

• Consumer Behavior
• Luxury Brand Management
• Marketing Strategy
• +5 more

Douglas BRYSON is an Assistant Professor in the Management and Organization Academic Area at Rennes School of Business (since 2024), previously serving as Senior Lecturer (2000–2024). He holds a PhD (in progress) from Rennes School of Business and University of Cambridge, an MBA from the University of New Brunswick, and a BSc from the University of Manitoba. His career includes roles as a Royal Canadian Navy officer and business development director. Research focuses on consumer adoption of technology, luxury brand psychology, and HR outcomes. Key interests include brand hate phenomena, luxury consumer behavior, and R&D team creativity. He has authored over 50 refereed articles and books, including Luxury Brands in Emerging Markets and Luxury Brands in China and India . Awards include the Bravo Zulu Award (Royal Canadian Navy, 1989) and inclusion in Marquis' 'Who’s Who in the World' (2012–2017). His teaching spans courses like International Marketing Management and Technology Management . Notable case studies include Starbucks in France, Dolce & Gabbana's China crisis, and craft alcohol marketing during the pandemic. Professional certifications include naval qualifications (Command of Patrol Vessel, Mine Warfare), reflecting his military background. He actively contributes to conferences and editorial boards in business and marketing research.

Shubho CHAKRABORTYView profile

Assistant Professor

• Business Model Design
• Entrepreneurial Cognition
• Innovation Process
• +3 more

Shubho Chakraborty is an Assistant Professor in the Strategy & Innovation academic area at Rennes School of Business (Rennes, France). His research focuses on business model design, entrepreneurial cognition, innovation processes, and low-technology innovation. He holds a PhD Candidate status from Rennes School of Business (2016–2020), an M.Sc. from the same institution (2013), and a B.Com. from Calcutta University, India (2011). Before his academic career, he worked in non-academic roles including Business Developer at Podbox (2014–2016) and Team Leader at Bello-Vista Technologies (2010–2012). His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, such as regulatory fit theory in entrepreneurial decisions and stakeholder engagement in sustainable ventures. He has presented at conferences like R&D Management Conference (2022–2024) and EURAM (2023). Research Interests: Business Model Innovation, Entrepreneurial Creativity, Ambidextrous Management Key Publications: Focused on policy mixes, technological spin-offs, and stakeholder-centric innovation

• Heritage Management
• Archaeology
• Cultural Heritage Conservation
• +3 more

Nicholas Roberts is affiliated with James Cook University (JCU), holding a PhD in Heritage Management. His research focuses on cultural heritage conservation, archaeology, and public health policy. He has conducted significant fieldwork in Laos, examining heritage management challenges in mining regions, and contributed to projects in Papua New Guinea addressing women's educational access. His interdisciplinary work spans archaeology, public health, and tropical environmental studies. Education: PhD in Heritage Management (JCU, 2019). Prior studies include a focus on cultural heritage and environmental science. Research interests include: Managing heritage sites in extractive industries Community engagement in archaeological projects Gender equity in higher education Indigenous health interventions Tropical environmental sustainability Notable contributions include the Undara Archaeology Project (2023), studies on Laos' cave heritage (2020), and co-authorship of the State of the Tropics report (2014). Advising/Grants: While no formal advisees are listed, his PhD research and collaborative projects suggest active involvement in academic supervision and grant-funded research. He contributed to the NHMRC Road Map evaluation (2015) and Indigenous cannabis intervention protocols (2014). Labs/Teams: Collaborates with JCU's tropical studies and public health teams, as well as international networks in Laos and Papua New Guinea.

Alexandra VelianView profile

Assistant Professor

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Catalysis
• Materials Science
• +5 more

Alexandra Velian is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Washington, Seattle. She leads the Velian Research Group, which focuses on synthetic inorganic chemistry, catalysis, and the design of atomically precise inorganic nanomaterials. Her work emphasizes understanding and controlling metal-support interactions in catalysts and developing functional 2D materials like black phosphorus. Education: B.S. in Chemistry (Caltech, 2009), Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry (MIT, 2015), followed by postdoctoral research at Columbia University under Prof. Colin Nuckolls. She joined UW in 2017. Research Interests: Synthesis of inorganic clusters and nanomaterials, catalytic applications of single-atom catalysts, black phosphorus functionalization, and atomistic studies of surface reactivity. Key projects include the development of Fe/Co/Se nanoclusters for catalysis and the exploration of P-N bond chemistry in 2D materials. Awards: 2023 Marion Milligan Mason Award (AAAS), 2020 NSF CAREER Award, MIT’s Alan Davison Prize (2015), and ACS Young Investigator Award. Her lab is funded by NSF, DOE, and private foundations. Labs & Facilities: Located in the Chemistry Building (rooms 322-328), equipped with gloveboxes, Schlenk lines, and advanced spectroscopic tools. Research group includes ~20 members spanning graduate students, undergraduates, and postdocs. Core Values: Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; fostering a supportive lab environment; and mentoring the next generation of chemists through courses like Chemistry Frontiers.

• Anatomy Pedagogy
• Medical Education
• Science Communication
• +5 more

Kat Sanders is an Associate Professor in Anatomy (Education Focused) at the School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney. She specializes in anatomy pedagogy and public engagement, aiming to innovate traditional anatomy curricula and make human anatomy accessible to broader audiences. Research Interests: Anatomy Pedagogy, Public Engagement in Anatomy, Human Body Donation. Associations: American Association of Anatomy, Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland, British Association of Clinical Anatomists. Awards: Fellow of the Anatomical Society (2024), Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2020). Her recent work explores dissection techniques, public engagement strategies, and anatomical variations. She collaborates internationally on projects like Anatomy Nights, enhancing brain anatomy understanding via interactive events. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Anatomical Society (2024) Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2020)

Amy HinsleyView profile

Academic

• Wildlife Conservation
• Machine Learning Applications
• Conservation Policy
• +3 more

Dr. Amy Hinsley is a Senior Research Fellow and Schmidt AI in Science Fellow at the Oxford Martin Programme on the Illegal Wildlife Trade, based at the University of Oxford. Her work bridges cutting-edge machine learning methods with social science to address wildlife trade sustainability, particularly focusing on interventions to mitigate threats from illegal and unsustainable practices. She leads projects on predicting wildlife trade trends using AI, Bayesian Belief Network models for medicinal plant markets, and analyzing patents to identify commercial shifts in wildlife products. Her research emphasizes collaboration with NGOs, policymakers, and international bodies like the IUCN (as Chair of the Orchid Specialist Group) to ensure evidence-based conservation policy. Prior to Oxford (since 2017), she worked at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre on CITES-related policy support. She holds a PhD investigating online orchid trade dynamics and has published extensively on topics ranging from bear bile markets to jaguar trade monitoring in Bolivia. Key achievements include co-designing stakeholder interventions to reduce wildlife consumption and pioneering methodologies like the Unmatched Count Technique to study sensitive behaviors. Her work on orchids spans domestic trade in Vietnam, CITES compliance in Nepal, and the global ornamental plant trade’s environmental risks. She advocates for inclusive conservation approaches that address both commercial and non-commercial drivers of biodiversity loss. Dr. Hinsley’s awards include the Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship, recognizing her innovative application of AI to conservation challenges. Her research portfolio spans over 50 peer-reviewed articles and spans disciplines such as policy analysis, behavioral science, and computational ecology.

• Digital Inclusion
• Communication and Media Studies
• Socio-Cultural Theory
• +6 more

Dr. Jenny Kennedy is an Associate Professor in the School of Media & Communication at RMIT University, Australia. Her work focuses on digital inclusion, media technologies, and socio-cultural impacts of technology. She supervises PhD research on topics like Chinese social commerce and mom entrepreneurs. Her research spans digital divides, smart home ethics, sextech industries, and gender dynamics in technology. Notable projects include the ARC Linkage Project on low-income families' digital inclusion and analyses of AI assistants' gendered design. She contributes to policy discussions on broadband access and e-lending practices. Key publications explore topics such as regional connectivity gaps, smart home automation ethics, and the role of technology in marginalized communities. Kennedy advocates for equitable technology access through interdisciplinary collaboration and participatory design approaches.

Mittul VahanvatiView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Disaster Resilience
• Housing Recovery
• Climate Change Adaptation
• +7 more

Mittul Vahanvati is a Senior Lecturer in the Sustainability and Urban Planning discipline at RMIT University's School of Global, Urban and Social Studies (GUSS). She is a Chief Investigator in the 'Solomon Islands Shelter Guide' project and a lead member of the 'Climate Resilient Honiara' initiative funded by the UNFCCC Adaptation Fund. Her work emphasizes bridging short-term disaster shelter needs with long-term resilience strategies, particularly for vulnerable communities in informally settled areas across Australasia and the Pacific. Education: Bachelor of Architecture from CEPT University, India (2000) Masters in Sustainable Development from UNSW Sydney (2005) PhD in Architecture from RMIT University (2012) Research Interests: Mittul's research focuses on disaster resilience in housing and urban systems, climate change adaptation, and participatory methodologies like co-design and knowledge co-production. She explores how government programs and grassroots community actions can synergize to enhance risk-informed decision-making, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable populations in developing countries. Her work spans architectural practice, sustainable urban design, and policy frameworks for equitable recovery. Industry Collaborations: UN bodies: UN-Habitat, UNEP, UNFCCC Australian Government: DTP, DECCA, Loddon Shire Council, Merri-Bek Council, Campaspe Shire Council Pacific Island Government: Ministry of Land, Housing and Survey (MLHS), Honiara City Council (HCC) Nonprofits: Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross International Universities: Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Research Trends: Her recent publications (2022–2025) highlight cross-cultural comparative studies of post-disaster housing recovery, nature-based solutions for climate resilience, and socio-spatial conflicts in urbanization. A key theme is the integration of community-led approaches with policy design to ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes, particularly in flood-prone regions like Bihar, India, and the Chancay-Lambayeque subbasin in Peru. Awards: 2022: Best Paper Awards at World Building Congress in Future-Proof Cities and Urban Resilience 2021: C40 International Competition Winning Student Team Supervision 2015: Best PhD Research Paper Award at Building Resilience Conference 2012: RMIT PhD Scholarship 1999: CEPT Scholarship for ZHW Exchange Program Advising & Grants: Mittul currently supervises six PhD candidates investigating topics like socio-spatial disorders in Indonesia, flood mobilities in India, and climate adaptation strategies in Peru. She has secured grants for projects such as 'Climate Resilient Honiara' (since 2018) and co-developed climate resilience action plans with Victorian communities. Her teaching includes core urban design courses for Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) accreditation. Labs & Teams: Mittul co-leads RMIT's Climate Change Transformations Research Group and collaborates with the Centre for Urban Research and Circular Economy Hub. These platforms drive interdisciplinary research on resilient urban systems, fostering partnerships between academia, governments, and NGOs to address climate challenges.