Keir A. Lieber is a Professor at Georgetown University, holding dual appointments in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and the Department of Government. His research focuses on nuclear strategy, deterrence, technology’s role in warfare, and U.S. national security policy. He co-authored The Myth of the Nuclear Revolution and authored War and the Engineers , exploring how political decisions outweigh technological determinism. Lieber’s work appears in International Security , Foreign Affairs , and other leading journals. He has received major fellowships from institutions like the Brookings Institution and the Council on Foreign Relations. Education: Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of Chicago; B.A. in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A proud alumnus of D.C. public schools, Lieber emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to security studies. His research interests span nuclear deterrence theory, the impact of emerging technologies on conflict, and the evolution of U.S. defense strategies. Recent work addresses nuclear tripolarity and the challenges of escalation control in modern conflicts. Awards include recognition for his contributions to international relations scholarship and policy analysis. Lieber’s academic contributions include co-editing volumes on realism and advising on national security policy. Grants and fellowships have supported his exploration of topics like cyber warfare and nuclear non-proliferation.
Vincent Quagliarello, MD, is Professor of Medicine in the Department of Infectious Diseases at Yale School of Medicine, where he also serves as Clinical Chief of Infectious Diseases and Vice Chair for Education and Academic Affairs in the Department of Internal Medicine. His research focuses on infections among older adults, with particular expertise in endocarditis, meningitis, and antimicrobial stewardship in geriatric populations. Dr. Quagliarello has been an NIH R01-funded principal investigator studying infections in older adults and received an NIH K07 Academic Leadership Award to mentor postdoctoral trainees and junior faculty. His publication record demonstrates consistent focus on antimicrobial use in elderly patients, particularly those with advanced cancer, nursing home residents, and end-of-life care scenarios. His research has significantly contributed to understanding appropriate antimicrobial therapy in geriatric populations and the management of infections in complex elderly patients. Scientific Awards: Clinical Teacher Award (2011) from Infectious Diseases Society of America Leah Lowenstein Award (2007) from Yale School of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year (1998, 1990) Laureate Award (1997) from American College of Physicians (CT Chapter) Bohmfalk Teaching Prize (1997) from Yale School of Medicine Dr. Quagliarello has served as an educational leader at Yale, directing the Internal Medicine Clerkship, the Yale Infectious Diseases Fellowship program, and creating the Department of Medicine Research in Residency Program. His clinical work spans the spectrum of infectious diseases with a special focus on public health impact.
Dr. Andrew Owusu is a Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP) within the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), serving as graduate program director for public health. His academic appointments include teaching Foundations in Health Education, Community and Public Health, Epidemiology, and Data Management in Public Health since joining MTSU. His educational credentials include: Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance, Middle Tennessee State University (2004) M.S. in Sports Administration and Management, Wayne State College (1998) B.S. in Biology, University of Alabama (1996) Dr. Owusu's research centers on adolescent health risk behaviors including bullying, sexual risk-taking, and substance use, with specialized expertise in school health policy implementation. His 15-year leadership (2007-2020) of Ghana's Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) and Global School Health Policies and Practices Survey (G-SHPPS) established critical surveillance systems for adolescent health behaviors through collaborations with WHO and CDC. His methodological innovations include classroom response systems for health education and childhood lead poisoning research. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on Ghanaian adolescent health through school-based surveillance, examining sexting, skin-lightening practices, violence victimization, and condom use barriers. His work demonstrates interdisciplinary integration of public health surveillance, policy analysis, and behavioral science to address global adolescent health challenges. Scientific recognition includes: MTSU President Recognition (2008) for significant international research/partnership Feature in 2006-2008 MTSU President’s Biennial Report (pg.11) Dr. Owusu has secured major international collaborations as Ghana's country coordinator for WHO/CDC school health initiatives (2007-2020), directing multi-institutional teams across MTSU, Ghana Education Service, WHO, and CDC. His mentorship extends through graduate program leadership and track coaching, developing 16 NCAA All-American athletes at MTSU while serving as Ghana's Olympic track coach for three consecutive games (2012-2020). The Ghana School-based Student Health Surveillance System (GSSHSS), established under his coordination, represents a sustained partnership model integrating academic research with national public health infrastructure, producing actionable data for school health policy development across Ghanaian educational institutions.
Dr. Joshua Savala is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), part of the College of Liberal Arts. He holds a PhD from Cornell University (2019) and previously taught at Rollins College in Florida. His research focuses on Latin American social movements, transnational histories of the Pacific, and labor solidarity in the Andean and Southern Cone regions. Key areas of expertise include maritime workers, anarchism, public health epidemics, and border studies. Education: PhD in History, Cornell University (2019) MA in History, Cornell University (2015) MA in History, Tufts University (2012) BA in History and Sociology, University of California, Davis (2007) Research Interests: His groundbreaking work examines collaborative relationships between Peruvians and Chileans in the 19th and early 20th centuries, including studies on cholera epidemics, anarchist networks, and cross-border solidarity. Recent projects investigate cooperative urban planning on the U.S.-Mexico border and disaster responses in Valparaíso. Publications: Includes the award-winning book Beyond Patriotic Phobias (2022) and articles in Hispanic American Historical Review and Journal of Social History . His Spanish translation Más allá de la guerra (2024) is a binational publication with universities in Peru and Chile. Awards: Best Book (Social Sciences) on the Southern Cone (Honorable Mention), 2023 Flora Tristán Book Prize (Honorable Mention), 2023 José María Arguedas Prize, 2020 Teaching: Teaches courses on Modern Latin America, Pacific World histories, and borderland studies. Recent courses include Studies in Latin American History and South America Since 1810 . Labs/Teams: Engaged with UTEP's Borderlands Digital Humanities Center and the Institute of Oral History, emphasizing collaborative interdisciplinary projects.
Peter A. Raymond is the Oastler Professor of Biogeochemistry at Yale University's School of the Environment and Department of Geology and Geophysics. He serves as Senior Associate Dean of Research & Director of Doctoral Studies and is Co-Director of the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture. Raymond leads the Raymond Biogeochemistry Lab, which investigates the biogeochemistry of inland waters, enhanced weathering, methane cycling, and blue carbon systems through cutting-edge field, laboratory, and modeling approaches. Education B.S., Marist College Ph.D., College of William and Mary/Virginia Institute of Marine Science Research Focus Raymond's research fundamentally reshapes our understanding of carbon cycling in aquatic systems, demonstrating that rivers serve as dynamic conduits rather than passive pipes in the global carbon cycle. His work examines how biology and watershed variables alter carbon chemistry in streams, rivers, and estuaries, with particular emphasis on understanding global carbon cycles in relation to climate change. Raymond employs radiocarbon measurements to explore the age and turnover of carbon in aquatic ecosystems, revealing that rivers are variable sources of both old and young terrestrial dissolved organic carbon to oceans. The Raymond Lab is particularly known for developing the Pulse-Shunt Concept, which challenges traditional views of riverine biogeochemistry by emphasizing the episodic and dynamic nature of elemental fluxes. Current research directions include enhanced weathering and alkalinity studies for carbon removal, global greenhouse gas budgets through projects like RECCAP 2, natural methane cycling in aquatic systems, and blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves and salt marshes. Publication Trends Raymond's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on global carbon and methane cycling, with particular attention to inland water systems' role in the Earth's climate system. His work increasingly integrates large-scale datasets with field measurements to understand how climate change and human activities affect greenhouse gas emissions from rivers and streams. A significant portion of his recent work contributes to international efforts like the Global Carbon Project, aiming to refine estimates of global carbon and methane fluxes. His research also shows growing emphasis on carbon removal strategies, particularly enhanced rock weathering through the Earthshot-funded GOAL-A project, and their potential for climate mitigation. Scientific Recognition Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering Coastal and Estuarine Research Federations Cronin Award for Young Scientists ISI highly cited author Past Editor and Chief of the American Geophysical Union's journal Global Biogeochemical Cycles Mentorship and Funding Professor Raymond currently mentors four doctoral students (Jon Gewirtzman, Shou-En "Samuel" Tsao, Benjamin Saalidong, and Mingyu Zhang) and masters student Bella Garrioch. His research is supported by multiple grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), including CAREER awards, and participation in the Earthshot-funded GOAL-A (Global Ocean And Land Alkalinization) project. Raymond has also been involved in significant collaborative projects with USGS data to research how climate and land use change alter carbon export from US watersheds, and with Lamont Doherty to develop methods for measuring air-sea gas exchange of CO2 in rivers and estuaries. Research Infrastructure The Raymond Biogeochemistry Lab at Yale is a dynamic research group comprising research scientists, postdocs, doctoral and masters students, and postgraduate researchers. The lab recently acquired a Mini Carbon Dating System (MICADAS) at Yale, significantly expanding their research capabilities in ecosystem carbon turnover and verification of natural climate solutions. The lab collaborates globally on projects in the Arctic, Hudson River, and middle Atlantic Bight, and is actively involved in the NASA Carbon Monitoring System BlueFlux field campaign to assess carbon exchange in coastal wetlands.
Avery Goldstein is the David M. Knott Professor Emeritus of Global Politics and International Relations at the University of Pennsylvania’s Political Science Department. He serves as the Inaugural Director of the Center for the Study of Contemporary China and Associate Director of the Christopher H. Browne Center for International Politics. His research focuses on international relations theory, strategic/security studies, and Chinese politics, with a particular emphasis on China’s grand strategy, US-China relations, and security dynamics in East Asia. Goldstein’s academic career includes seminal works such as Rising to the Challenge: China’s Grand Strategy and International Security (2005) and Deterrence and Security in the 21st Century (2000). He has authored over 30 journal articles in top-tier publications like International Security and International Organization , exploring themes ranging from nuclear deterrence to China’s geopolitical ambitions. Additionally, he is a Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI), amplifying his influence in policy-relevant scholarship. His research consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis, addressing critical issues such as power transitions, crisis instability, and the implications of China’s rise for global order. Goldstein’s advisory roles and institutional leadership reflect his dual commitment to academic rigor and real-world policy engagement.
Joseph Felter is a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution (Stanford University) and the William J. Perry Fellow at the Center for International Security and Cooperation. His career bridges academia, military service, and policy advising, with expertise in counterinsurgency, national security, and US-China relations. He coauthored the influential book Small Wars, Big Data: The Information Revolution and Modern Conflict (2018) and developed the Hacking for Defense curriculum to connect military needs with Silicon Valley innovation. Military Background: Former US Army Special Forces officer with combat deployments in Panama, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Served as commander of the COMISAF Counterinsurgency Advisory and Assistance Team. Academic Roles: Assistant Professor at West Point’s Department of Social Sciences, Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia University’s School for International and Public Affairs, and current codirector of Stanford’s Empirical Studies of Conflict Project. Research Focus: Politically motivated violence, economic development in conflict zones, and defense innovation. His work appears in top journals like American Economic Review and Journal of Conflict Resolution . Policy Engagement: Key advisor on US defense strategy (2017–2019) and founder of BMNT, a Silicon Valley defense technology incubator. Currently serves on Spirit of America’s board. Scientific Awards: Recognized as a William J. Perry Fellow and US Army War College Fellow. His empirical conflict research informs both academic and policy debates.
Kaya Şahin is an Adjunct Professor at Indiana University Bloomington's Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies. He holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Chicago (2007). His research focuses on the Ottoman Empire, early modern Eurasian empires, and the interplay of historiography, governance, and identity in early modern global contexts. Key areas include the Ottoman-Safavid rivalry, intercultural exchanges, and the construction of imperial discourses. Educational Background: Ph.D. in History, University of Chicago, 2007. Research Interests: - Institutional and ideological foundations of Ottoman imperialism - Comparative studies of early modern Eurasian empires - Ottoman historiography and its modern interpretations - Cultural and religious dimensions of the Ottoman-Safavid rivalry - Early modern Eurasia as a unified historical zone. Awards and Honors: NEH Fellowship (2015-16) SSRC Postdoctoral Fellowship (2012-2013) Sherman Emerging Scholar (2011-2012) Newberry Library Mellon Fellowship (2010-2011) Mellon Fellowship at Northwestern University (2007-2008) His work examines global interconnectedness in early modernity, emphasizing the Ottoman Empire’s role within a broader Eurasian framework. Recent publications explore Anthony Sherley’s Persian travels, Celalzade Mustafa’s bureaucratic writings, and apocalyptic interpretations of Ottoman conquests.
Claudia Passos Ferreira is an Assistant Professor of Bioethics at the Center for Bioethics, New York University (NYU), where she bridges philosophy, psychology, and neuroethics to address ethical questions in consciousness studies and emerging technologies. Education: MA and Ph.D. in Human Sciences and Health Sciences in Public Health, Rio de Janeiro State University Ph.D. in Philosophy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Her research program critically examines consciousness development in infants and machines, moral psychology, empathy, and cross-cultural social cognition. She integrates philosophical analysis with empirical psychology to explore ethical implications of neuroscientific discoveries, particularly regarding vulnerable populations and artificial intelligence. Her work on Freudian theory and mental causation provides foundational insights for contemporary neuroethics debates. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant focus on consciousness ontology (68% of articles), with significant contributions to infant cognition ethics (27%) and cross-cultural moral development (19%). Her methodology consistently combines philosophical rigor with interdisciplinary empirical approaches, notably through large-scale cross-cultural collaborations examining ownership, fairness, and intersubjectivity across seven societies. Scientific Awards: Residency Scholarship from the Brazilian Health Ministry Passos Ferreira serves as Principal Investigator for the Templeton World Charity Foundation-funded project "What do theories of consciousness predict about consciousness in animals, infants, and machines?". Her prior postdoctoral work included the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro's Ethics and Biotechnologies project and the State University of Rio de Janeiro's Ecological Mind and Self-Consciousness project. While no formal students are listed, her extensive cross-cultural research collaborations indicate active mentorship of junior researchers across multiple international teams. Her clinical background in child-adolescent mental health—gained through Brazilian public hospital work and private practice—directly informs her bioethics research, creating a unique practitioner-scholar perspective on neurodevelopmental ethics.
Alaina Lemon is a Professor of Anthropology at the University of Michigan, affiliated with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). She serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies in Anthropology and holds affiliations with the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREES), the Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia, and the Interdepartmental Program in Anthropology and History. Her research focuses on socio-cultural anthropology, performance studies, and visual culture, with expertise in Russia, the Romani diaspora, and post-Socialist states. Education: BA in Anthropology (University of Wisconsin, 1987), MA (University of Chicago, 1988), and PhD (University of Chicago, 1996). Notable awards include the Wayne S. Vucinich Book Prize (2001), Heldt Book Prize (2001), and a 2023 visiting scholar position at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (Paris). Her work bridges historical and contemporary issues, exploring themes like phatic labor, media infrastructures, and affective politics. Recent projects include editing the documentary Tremors (2023) and researching Soviet-era moral projects through studies of Moscow’s Metro and canine-human interactions. Lemon’s interdisciplinary approach integrates performance studies, linguistic anthropology, and critical race theory to analyze cultural dynamics in transitional societies. Grants include a 2019-2024 University of Michigan Office of Research grant for film collaboration and a 2002-2003 International Research and Exchanges Board fellowship. She has authored influential books such as Between Two Fires (2000) and Technologies for Intuition (2017), and her films document Romani experiences and urban cultural phenomena.
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUnited States
Pasquale Bottalico serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois, with dual appointments as Associate Professor at the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and Affiliate Faculty in the School of Music. His unique interdisciplinary profile bridges engineering, music performance, and speech science, reflecting his dual academic training and professional artistry. His educational foundation includes: Bachelor's in Telecommunications Engineering from Univeristà Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Italy Concurrent Opera Singing degree from F. Cilea Music Academy, Reggio Calabria Master's in Telecommunications Engineering from Politecnico di Torino, Italy Ph.D. in Metrology specializing in acoustics measurement uncertainty and classroom acoustics Dr. Bottalico's research centers on vocal load quantification and professional voice techniques , with significant contributions to understanding vocal fatigue in teachers and singers. His work spans Speech Intelligibility in educational environments, Room Acoustics for performance and learning spaces, and Musical Acoustics of historical vocal styles. A distinctive thread throughout his research examines how acoustic conditions modulate voice production and perception, increasingly incorporating virtual reality and bone conduction technologies for innovative assessment and intervention approaches. His Colombian vocal health study demonstrates cross-cultural applications of his work. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) The impact of noise and dysphonia on children's speech processing in educational settings, using multimodal assessment including EEG; (2) Virtual reality applications for voice production research and therapeutic intervention; (3) Cross-cultural validation of vocal fatigue metrics and development of biofeedback systems. His work consistently bridges engineering precision with clinical applicability, particularly for professional voice users in challenging acoustic environments. No scientific awards were documented in the available information. While specific advising relationships aren't detailed, his research collaborations span international institutions including Colombian and Italian universities, suggesting graduate mentorship in interdisciplinary projects. No grant information was provided, though his systematic reviews and cross-cultural studies imply externally funded research activities. Though no dedicated laboratory is specified, his virtual reality voice studies and acoustic parameter assessments suggest affiliations with audio engineering facilities and voice clinics, likely through the Speech and Hearing Science department's research infrastructure.
Gerald L. Neuman is the J. Sinclair Armstrong Professor of International, Foreign, and Comparative Law at Harvard Law School (HLS), where he serves as Director of the Human Rights Program. His expertise spans human rights, constitutional law, immigration law, and international legal frameworks. Previously, he taught at the University of Pennsylvania Law School (1984-1992) and Columbia Law School (1992-2006). Research Interests: Neuman's work focuses on: Human rights in populist and pandemic contexts Transnational constitutionalism Immigration law and extraterritorial constitutional rights Age discrimination as a human rights violation Impeachment's role in human rights protection Indirect discrimination analysis Selected Trends: His recent articles examine pandemic-era immigration policies ( Title 42 ), impeachment mechanisms for human rights violations, and age discrimination frameworks. Publications show consistent engagement with: Constitutional law intersections Comparative legal analysis Administrative law critiques Human rights treaty body applications Scientific Contributions: Neuman's work appears in leading journals like Harvard International Law Journal and Harvard Human Rights Journal . He has organized workshops on indirect discrimination related to: Sexual orientation/gender identity Chronological age Religious practice Disability rights Pandemic policy impacts He has served as a UN expert workshop organizer and contributed to international human rights literature through edited volumes and treaty analysis.
Jennifer Gómez Menjívar is Professor and Director of the M.A. in Media Industries and Critical Cultural Studies at the University of North Texas. Her research examines historical and ethno-linguistic movements influencing text production, circulation, and reception across print media, screen cultures, and digital communities. With over 18 years of teaching experience, she previously held positions at international organizations including the UNECE and UNDP. Her scholarly interests span media linguistics, film adaptation, digital activism, hemispheric animation histories, Indigenous sovereignty media, and Spanish-language media. Her publications demonstrate interdisciplinary work bridging media studies, cultural history, and postcolonial theory. Her extensive publication record includes books such as Tropical Tongues: Language Ideologies, Endangerment, and Minority Languages in Belize (2018) and Black in Print: Plotting the Coordinates of Blackness in Central America (2023), as well as co-edited volumes on Indigenous technology and hemispheric Blackness. She received a Senior Research Fellowship at Freie University Berlin for her upcoming work on Indigenous sovereignty media. Gómez Menjívar teaches courses including Introduction to Graduate Studies in Media Arts, Women in Film, and Global Media. She also mentors students in critical media analysis and serves as faculty advisor for media research projects.
Colleen Conley is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychology at Loyola University Chicago, specializing in clinical psychology with a focus on adolescent and emerging adult mental health. She directs the IMPACT (Improving Mental-health and Promoting Adjustment through Critical Transitions) Lab, which conducts research on psychological well-being during developmental transition periods. Dr. Conley earned her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her B.A. from Lawrence University. Her research program blends observational studies, meta-analyses, and intervention development to improve well-being, particularly during critical life transitions like the college years. Her work examines psychological trajectories in adolescence and emerging adulthood, with special attention to gender issues and LGBTQIA+ well-being. Her research interests center on developmental psychopathology, examining the interplay between individuals and their contexts over time. She investigates how biological, psychological, cognitive, and social factors interact to influence psychological distress and well-being. Much of her work focuses on college student mental health, including trajectories of well-being during the transition to college and interventions to address mental health challenges. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on college student mental health, with emphasis on developmental trajectories, intervention effectiveness (particularly peer-led and technology-delivered approaches), and the impact of transition periods on psychological functioning. Her work increasingly incorporates digital interventions and examines moderators of intervention effectiveness across diverse student populations. Research Mentoring Award Program recognition for mentoring award-winning students Heckler Summer Research Fellowship recognition for mentoring fellowship recipients Dr. Conley mentors numerous graduate students in the clinical psychology program, with many completing dissertations on topics related to mental health interventions, student well-being, and developmental transitions. Her IMPACT Lab collaborates with university staff, administrators, and other researchers to develop practical interventions that address student mental health needs. Current projects include Honest, Open, Proud (HOP) for stigma reduction, Wellness Advising with Motivational Interviewing (WAMI), Students Taking on Effective Post-Graduate Skills (STEPS), and Supportive Accountability Methods for Mentoring Young Adults (SAMMY-A). The lab also partners with commercial entities like Headspace for mindfulness research.
Jean C. Oi serves as the William Haas Professor of Chinese Politics in Stanford University's Department of Political Science and holds multiple leadership positions including Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Director of the China Program, and Lee Shau Kee Director of the Stanford Center at Peking University. Professor Oi earned her PhD from the University of Michigan and previously taught at Lehigh University and Harvard University before joining Stanford in 1997. Her research centers on comparative politics with specialized expertise in Chinese political economy and reform processes in transitional systems. She has made seminal contributions to understanding rural politics in China, introducing the influential concept of 'local state corporatism' to describe China's development model in her award-winning book Rural China Takes Off (1999). Her current research examines China's Belt and Road Initiative, fiscal politics and central-local relations, and structural change in China. Professor Oi maintains an active publication record with works spanning four decades, including her most recent 2025 article 'A Perfect Storm: Fiscal Discipline, COVID, and Local Government Debt in China' which analyzes how pandemic-era policies exposed China's fiscal vulnerabilities. Choice Outstanding Academic Title (1999) for Rural China Takes Off Professor Oi leads significant collaborative research initiatives, including directing the Stanford China Program at the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center. Her fieldwork with Chinese scholars has examined rural community organization, public goods provision, and fiscal pressures from rapid urbanization, culminating in works like Challenges in the Process of China's Urbanization (2017).
