Find Academic Supervisors

Jan WoudstraView profile

Professor

• History and theory of the modern movement in landscape architecture
• Landscape conservation
• Planting design
• +7 more

Dr Jan Woudstra is an Honorary Professor at the University of Sheffield's School of Architecture and Landscape. With a PhD in Landscape Architecture from University College London and a background in landscape design, horticulture, and conservation, he has taught landscape architecture and history since 1995 and part-time at the Architectural Association School of Architecture from 1988-2005. Education: PhD, MA (Conservation), Dip Hort (Kew) Research Focus: History and theory of modern movement landscape architecture, planting design, hard landscape detailing, and international design trends Supervision: Claudia Leticia Martínez Velarde, Lei Gao, Kairan Li, Sang Jung Yoon, Vivienne Rose Parrott, Jijun Zhao, Manoochehr Salahi Moghadam, Hossein Donyavi, Sally O’Halloran Contact: j.woudstra@sheffield.ac.uk | Arts Tower, Floor 12, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN His research emphasizes landscape conservation, sustainability, and social equitability, with case studies on designers like Christopher Tunnard, Peter Shepheard, and Robert Marnock. He explores the tension between memory and innovation in historic landscapes. Recent publications address Buddhist pilgrimage sites, Scandinavian design, and historical planting techniques. Collaborations with Peter Blundell Jones and others analyze the interplay between architecture and landscape.

David A. FosterView profile

Professor

• Tectonics
• Thermochronology
• Structural Geology
• +5 more

David A. Foster is a Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Florida, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research integrates thermochronology, structural geology, and petrology to investigate tectonic and magmatic processes, with a recent focus on enhanced weathering of basaltic rocks for carbon sequestration. He leads the Thermochronology Lab, providing analytical services for mineral separation, Ar/Ar dating, and thermal modeling. Research interests span: Tectonics & Geodynamics : Orogenic collapse, terrane accretion, and supercontinent cycles. Thermochronology : Application of temperature-sensitive isotopic systems to crustal evolution. Surface Processes : Links between tectonic uplift, erosion, and carbon capture via rock weathering. His publications emphasize regional tectonics (e.g., Andes, Appalachians, Cordillera), utilizing geochronology, isotope geochemistry, and structural analysis. Recent work explores collisional orogens, basin provenance, and magmatic arcs, with recurring themes of extensional collapse and paleogeographic reconstructions. Educational contributions include co-authoring the comprehensive textbook Geology of National Parks , now in its 8th edition, which synthesizes geological features of U.S. national parks in the context of plate tectonics and landscape formation.

• Emergent Software Systems
• Runtime Adaptation
• Component-Based Software
• +7 more

Professor Barry Porter is a faculty member at Lancaster University in the School of Computing and Communications . His research focuses on emergent software platforms that address software complexity through component models , meta-software platforms , and machine learning . Key areas include distributed systems, cloud integration with sensor nodes, green computing, and real-time visualization. Research Interests : Runtime adaptation in complex systems Self-assembling software architectures Machine learning for code optimization Distributed emergent systems at scale Green computing for multi-core environments Edge-cloud continuum integration Recent Publication Trends : His 2025 work explores genetic improvement for software using speciation algorithms , program geometry projection , and multi-agent decision frameworks . Earlier studies (2022-2024) investigate edge-cloud systems , neural transfer learning , and ecosystem curation in emergent software. Supervision & Projects : He supervises PhD student Ben Craine and leads projects like B-EGI (Bio-Enhanced Genetic Improvement) and BBC Prosperity Partnership for media delivery. Collaborations span environmental IoT, multi-agent learning, and fog computing. Labs & Groups : Affiliated with the Lancaster Intelligent, Robotic and Autonomous Systems Centre , Centre of Excellence in Environmental Data Science , and the Distributed Systems group.

Jennifer WilliamsView profile

Professor

• Biodiversity
• Ecology
• Climate Science
• +4 more

Jennifer Williams is a Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of British Columbia (UBC), located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam People. She holds a PhD from the University of Montana (2008) and a BA from the University of California, Berkeley. Her primary research focuses on understanding how interacting ecological and evolutionary processes influence species distributions and abundances, particularly in the context of global environmental changes like climate change, habitat fragmentation, and biological invasions. Her work integrates field experiments, observational studies, and mathematical modeling to address conservation challenges. Her current research themes include eco-evolutionary dynamics of range expansion, species interactions in Garry oak savannas, plant life history responses to climate change, and invasive species management. She received the prestigious Killam Research Fellowship in 2020, recognizing her contributions to biodiversity and climate science. Williams teaches courses in geography and ecology, and her lab actively collaborates with the Biodiversity Research Centre. Her recent work emphasizes forecasting species' responses to climate change and developing strategies for ecosystem resilience.

• Urban Geography
• Racial Segregation
• Environmental Justice
• +5 more

John Finn serves as Associate Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology at Christopher Newport University's College of Arts and Sciences. He holds joint appointments with the Honors Program, Center for Crime Equity and Justice Research and Policy, and Center for Sustainability in Education. PhD in Geography, Arizona State University MA in Geography, University of Missouri BA in International Studies, University of Missouri Finn's research examines the socioeconomic, environmental, and health consequences of persistent racial segregation in the United States, with particular focus on Hampton Roads, Virginia and Latin American contexts including Cuba and Brazil. His work integrates urban geography, environmental justice, and human-environment interaction through field research methods. His 2024 solo exhibition 'Living Apart: Geography of Segregation in the 21st Century' at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art demonstrates his innovative approach to translating academic research into public engagement. Finn's recent publications reveal strong thematic focus on urban renewal impacts, environmental justice mapping, and Latin American geographies, with increasing emphasis on climate gentrification and spatial epidemiology. 2024 SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award (Virginia's highest faculty honor) 2021 Alumni Society Award for Teaching and Mentoring 2020 Faculty Excellence Award in Scholarship Class of 2013 Faculty Development Award (2019) Finn has secured over $200,000 in research funding and delivered more than 100 invited lectures across North America, Latin America, and Europe. His work bridges academic research and practical applications through partnerships with medical schools, planning associations, and environmental organizations. He maintains active research teams focused on mapping segregation patterns and analyzing environmental health disparities in coastal Virginia.

• Sustainable Urban Development
• Strategic Urban Design
• Urban Sustainability Indicators
• +3 more

Dr. Abbas Ziafati Bafarasat is a Chartered Town Planner and Senior Lecturer in Town Planning at Oxford Brookes University, managing the Certificate in Spatial Planning Studies. He holds a PhD in Planning & Landscape from the University of Manchester (2015) and conducted postdoctoral research at TU Dortmund, Germany. His expertise spans five national contexts, with a focus on strategic urban design, sustainable cities, and policy integration. He has supervised numerous Master’s and doctoral students and transitioned from private practice to academia. Education: PhD in Planning & Landscape, University of Manchester (2015) Postdoctoral studies at TU Dortmund, Germany MA in City & Regional Planning, AD in Law, BSc in Geography Research Interests: His research focuses on achieving healthy and sustainable cities through frameworks like strategic urban design and behavioral sustainability indicators. He pioneered concepts such as 'start-it-yourself urbanism' and developed a 99-indicator system for healthy cities. His work emphasizes policy integration, regional governance, and community-driven solutions. Advising & Grants: Supervised successful completion of doctoral and Master’s theses External examiner for postgraduate programs Labs/Teams: He contributes to the Planning, Policy and Governance (PPG) research group at Oxford Brookes, focusing on urban sustainability and policy innovation.

Emily CookView profile

Assistant Professor

• Higher Education Policy
• Economics of Education
• STEM Education
• +3 more

Emily Cook is an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University, focusing on higher education economics, policy analysis, and institutional decision-making. Her research examines topics such as college pricing structures, STEM education funding, vaccine mandate impacts, and market dynamics in education and aviation sectors. She employs rigorous empirical methodologies to evaluate policy outcomes and institutional behaviors. Her work highlights how federal funding influences STEM curricula, how tuition policies affect student major choices, and the role of peer institutions in shaping reopening strategies during crises. Cook also investigates the equity implications of college pricing models and the structural evolution of industries such as airlines and higher education markets. Notable areas of focus include the interplay between public health policies and educational continuity, the competitive landscape of US universities, and the socioeconomic factors influencing student transitions from high school to college.

• Sociology of Communication
• Media and Society
• Internet Studies
• +12 more

Gustavo Cardoso is a Full Professor of Communication Sciences at ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon and a researcher at CIES-Iscte - Center for Research and Studies in Sociology. He is also an associate researcher at CADIS in Paris and Director of OberCom - Observatory of the Media in Lisbon. His academic leadership includes directing the PhD in Communication Sciences and three postgraduate programs: Journalism, Fact-Checking and Disinformation, and Communication and Political Consulting. Full Professor, Department of Sociology, ISCTE-IUL Integrated Researcher, CIES-Iscte Director, OberCom - Observatory of the Media Associate Researcher, CADIS, Paris Education: Aggregation in Sociology, ISCTE-IUL (2010) Postgraduate Studies in Global Leadership and Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School (2009) PhD in Sociology of Communication, ISCTE-IUL (2005) Master’s in European Studies, ISCTE-IUL (1997) Bachelor’s in Business Organization and Management, ISCTE-IUL (1994) Gustavo Cardoso's research focuses on the sociology of communication, media and society, internet studies, and the transformation of journalism in the digital age. His work explores the shift from mass communication to networked communication, the role of screens and mediation, digital democracy, and the cultural impacts of the network society. He investigates how communication shapes institutions, identities, and social change, particularly in times of crisis. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward theorizing networked communication, mediatized culture, and the communication of communication as a new paradigm. His books analyze digital transformation, youth media practices, open science, and socio-political movements, reflecting a deeply interdisciplinary and globally comparative approach. Scientific Awards and Honors: Grand Officer of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator Young Global Leader (2009) Member of Academia Europaea – Cinema, Media, and Visual Studies section He has served as advisor to the President of Portugal on Information Society policy (1996–2006) and as non-executive Vice-Chairman of the Lusa news agency (2006–2012). He leads major research projects on open science and digital transformation, often funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. His international collaborations include the World Internet Project and research networks across Europe, the US, and Asia. He mentors students and researchers in communication, sociology, and digital culture. His leadership extends to editorial and organizational roles in books and research initiatives, including co-editing volumes on network society, crisis cultures, and media models. He is actively involved in shaping communication education and policy in Portugal and beyond.

• Database Management Systems
• Transaction Processing
• In-Memory Databases
• +6 more

Andrew Pavlo is a Professor in the Computer Science Department at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science. His research focuses on database management systems, particularly in the areas of transaction processing, in-memory databases, and self-driving database systems. He leads a productive research group that has published extensively in top database venues including VLDB, SIGMOD, and CIDR. Pavlo's research interests span database management systems, transaction processing, in-memory databases, non-volatile memory databases, and self-driving database systems. His work often bridges theoretical database concepts with practical system implementation, focusing on performance optimization, query processing, and system architecture. Recent work has explored machine learning applications for database tuning, novel storage techniques, and innovative approaches to transaction processing. An analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on self-driving database systems, with significant work on the Database Gym framework for training machine learning models to optimize database performance. His research also examines columnar storage formats, transaction scheduling, and novel approaches to user-defined function optimization. The work demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward making database systems more autonomous and efficient through a combination of systems techniques and machine learning. Pavlo has been instrumental in mentoring numerous PhD students who have become active contributors to the database research community. His research has been supported by significant grants that have enabled the development of innovative database technologies and frameworks. His research group operates within CMU's vibrant database ecosystem, collaborating with other researchers on projects related to database systems, storage engines, and query processing frameworks. The group maintains close connections with industry partners to ensure practical relevance of their research contributions.

Rachael BayView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• Genomics
• +4 more

Rachael Bay is an Associate Professor in the Department of Evolution and Ecology at the University of California, Davis. She investigates how human-induced environmental changes intersect with evolutionary processes, focusing on climate change impacts across diverse species. Education: B.S. in Marine Science/Biology, University of Miami (2008) M.Sc. in Biology, Dalhousie University (2010) Ph.D. in Biology, Stanford University (2015) Her research combines ecological experiments, physiological studies, and large-scale genomic analysis to explore evolutionary responses to anthropogenic stressors. Key areas include climate adaptation in migratory birds, coral resilience, and conservation genomics. Recent publications highlight genomic shifts linked to climate change, thermal tolerance mechanisms in corals, and migratory behavior dynamics. Her work emphasizes using evolutionary insights for proactive conservation strategies. Scientific Awards: Packard Fellowship (2021) Sloan Fellowship (2019) UC Davis Top Safety Award (2022) Bay is affiliated with the Center for Population Biology and graduate groups in Integrative Genetics & Genomics and Population Biology. She leads the Bay Lab, which focuses on eco-evolutionary dynamics in marine and avian systems.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Collective Intelligence
• Digital Strategy
• +7 more

Overview Prof. Harris Kyriakou is an Associate Professor and Chair Holder of the Media & Digital Chair at ESSEC Business School. His research focuses on leveraging artificial and collective intelligence to enhance organizational value creation, digital strategy, and data-driven decision-making. He has advised multinational firms like Airbnb, Facebook, and Yelp, and his work is supported by grants from NSF and the Spanish government. Education Ph.D. in Management Sciences (Stevens Institute of Technology, 2016) M.S. in Engineering & Technology Innovation Management (Carnegie Mellon University, 2010) B.Sc. in Digital Systems (University of Piraeus, 2007) Research Focus His research explores intersections between AI/collective intelligence, blockchain, sharing economy regulations, and platform governance. Key themes include data network effects, algorithmic regulation, and digital transformation. Recent work on ChatGPT vs. Google examines AI-driven competitive dynamics in search markets. Recognition Awarded the 2024 Case Centre Triple Award, 2022 Early Career Award (AIS), and multiple best paper awards (AoM, INFORMS). Recognized as a 40-Under-40 MBA Professor by Poets & Quants. Teaching & Leadership Co-leads the 'Algorithmic Governance in Platform Economy' thesis Teaches courses on AI, digital strategy, and IT management at ESSEC and IESE Former Assistant Professor at IESE Business School (2016–2021) Professional Contributions Serves as a European Commission advisor on digitalization, reviewer for top journals (MIS Quarterly, Academy of Management Review), and mentor for doctoral candidates.

Thomas B. GoldView profile

Professor

• Modernization and Development
• Globalization
• Comparative Institutions
• +6 more

Thomas B. Gold is a Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Berkeley, and has held multiple leadership roles, including Executive Director of the Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Studies (IUP), a consortium managing advanced Chinese language programs at Tsinghua University. He has also served as Associate Dean of International and Area Studies, Founding Director of the Berkeley China Initiative, and Chair of the Center for Chinese Studies. Gold’s research examines the emergence of individual autonomy and civil society in East Asian contexts, particularly mainland China and Taiwan, focusing on topics like guanxi, entrepreneurship, popular culture, and non-governmental organizations. Gold earned his undergraduate degree in Sociology from Oberlin College, followed by a Master’s in Regional Studies-East Asia and a PhD in Sociology from Harvard University. His early academic work included being among the first American exchange students to study in China at Fudan University in Shanghai (1979-1980). He has taught courses on Development and Globalization, Contemporary Chinese Society, and special topics like North Korean Society and non-profits in education. His advocacy for public sociology led to roles on boards of organizations such as the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and the East Bay College Fund, alongside editorial board positions in scholarly journals. Gold’s research trends emphasize civil society development, post-authoritarian societal change, and cross-strait dynamics between China and Taiwan. His work bridges traditional cultural frameworks with modern political and economic transformations, particularly in analyzing how individual agency evolves within authoritarian systems. Awards include the 2007 Distinguished Teaching Award and the 2010 Chancellor’s Award for Civic Engagement. As an advisor, he supports international student groups like Strait Talk and the East-West Coalition, and advises programs in Japan and Singapore. His civic engagement and academic leadership highlight a commitment to both scholarly rigor and practical societal impact. Labs/Teams: Gold is affiliated with the Institute of East Asian Studies (IUP program), the Center for Chinese Studies, and collaborates with academic consortia and civic organizations globally.

Canan ATILGANView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Structural Biology
• Computational Biology
• +3 more

Canan ATILGAN is a Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey. She has held leadership roles including Dean (2018-2020), Director of the Graduate School (2018-2020), and President of the Science Academy (2021-present). Her research focuses on computational tools for protein conformational transitions, allosteric communication, and antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Ph.D. (1996) and B.S. (1991) in Chemical Engineering from Boğaziçi University A pioneer in perturbation-response scanning and network-based protein modeling, her work bridges biophysics, structural biology, and molecular evolution. She has supervised 15 PhD and 17 MS students, emphasizing accessible computational biophysics education through workshops and seminars. Her recent publications highlight allosteric mechanisms in biosensors, β-lactam resistance via TolC dynamics, and evolutionary fitness landscapes. Awards include EMBO and Academia Europaea membership, L’Oréal Turkey Young Women Scientist Fellowship, and TÜBA-GEBİP Distinguished Young Scientist Award. President, Science Academy (2021) EMBO Elected Member (2023) TÜBA-GEBİP Distinguished Young Scientist (2004) She leads the MIDST Lab, contributes to Turkish science communication via sarkac.org, and organizes 'Dialogues in the MIDST' workshops for graduate students. Her work integrates theoretical models with experimental validation in iron transport proteins and resistance mechanisms.

Leif RistrophView profile

Assistant Professor

• Fluid Dynamics
• Fluid-Structure Interactions
• Biophysics
• +6 more

Leif Ristroph is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences , New York University . His research bridges experimental physics and applied mathematics , focusing on fluid-structure interactions in both biological and geophysical contexts. Key research areas include: Biophysical Flows : Aerodynamics of insect flight ( Applied Mathematics Laboratory ), hydrodynamics of fish schooling, and flow-sensing mechanisms via the fish lateral line system Geophysical Flows : Shape evolution during erosion, dissolution patterns in fluid flows, and bubble formation dynamics Recent publications (2019-2015) explore: Flow interactions in flapping swimmers and hovering systems Evolutionary optimization of wing shapes and self-sculpting processes Stability mechanisms in tandem flapping and insect flight His work has been featured in major media outlets like Nature , New York Times , and ScienceDaily . Ristroph's lab at NYU's Applied Mathematics Laboratory combines physical experiments, computational models, and theoretical analysis to study complex fluid-structure interactions.

Jason UrView profile

Professor

• Early Urbanism
• Landscape Archaeology
• Remote Sensing
• +5 more

Jason Ur is the Stephen Phillips Professor of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University, specializing in early urbanism, landscape archaeology, and remote sensing. He directs the Erbil Plain Archaeological Survey (EPAS) in Iraqi Kurdistan and has conducted fieldwork in Syria, Turkey, and Iran. His work leverages declassified satellite imagery and geospatial technologies to study ancient settlement patterns, irrigation systems, and transportation networks. Research Focus: Early urban development in Mesopotamia, GIS-based landscape analysis, qanat systems, and postmortem segregation in colonial New England cemeteries. Field Projects: EPAS (2012–present), Tell Hamoukar Survey (1999–2001), and studies of colonial-era burying grounds since 2020. Methodology: Remote sensing (CORONA, HEXAGON, U2 imagery), UAV photogrammetry, 3D visualization, and intensive ground surveys. Key Findings: Discovery of undocumented urban centers, mapping of ancient canals and hollow ways, and analysis of rural Assyrian landscapes.