Stéphane Lacroix is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Sciences Po and a permanent researcher at the Centre for International Research (CERI). He serves as co-director of Sciences Po's Chair of Religious Studies. An Arabist specializing in the Middle East, Lacroix holds fluency in five languages: French (mother tongue), English, Arabic, Spanish, and functional Russian/German. His research focuses on religious politics in the Arab world, particularly examining Salafism, Islamic movements, and state-religion dynamics in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Key themes include revolutionary Islamism, religious dissent, and political transitions following the Arab Uprisings. His methodological approach combines extensive field research with historical and political analysis. Lacroix's publications reveal consistent scholarly engagement with Middle Eastern religious politics across three decades. His work demonstrates evolving focus from Saudi Islamism (2010-2011) to Egyptian revolutionary dynamics (2015-2018), culminating in contemporary analyses of Salafism (2024). The publications show increasing interdisciplinary scope, integrating political science, religious studies, and security perspectives. Lacroix teaches graduate courses including: The Dynamics of Religion in the Contemporary World Islam and Politics in a Changing Middle East States and Social Transformation in the Arab World States and Societies in the Arab World Research Training Workshop on the Middle East As a core CERI researcher, Lacroix contributes to the center's mission of interdisciplinary international research. His leadership in the Chair of Religious Studies shapes academic discourse on religion's political dimensions. While specific grant details aren't public, his co-edited volumes with Cambridge University Press and Harvard University Press indicate significant research funding support.
Candace Kaleimamoowahinekapu Galla is an Associate Professor in the Department of Language and Literacy Education at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Education, with a cross-appointment in the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies within the Faculty of Arts. Her work centers on Indigenous language revitalization, decolonizing methodologies, and the integration of digital technology in language education and cultural practices, grounded in her Kanaka Hawaiʻi identity and commitment to community-centered approaches. Her educational background includes a B.A. in Linguistics, M.A. in Native American Linguistics, and Ph.D. in Language, Reading and Culture from the University of Arizona, preceded by secondary education at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. She previously served as Program Coordinator for the American Indian Language Development Institute and as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language, University of Hawaiʻi Hilo. Galla's research focuses on Indigenous Language Revitalization and Reclamation, Indigenous Literacy and Education, Decolonizing Pedagogies, and the role of digital technology in language preservation, emphasizing community-driven frameworks and traditional cultural practices like hula. Her scholarship bridges academic rigor with community engagement to support Indigenous well-being through language reclamation. Her recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a cohesive trajectory exploring community-centered language revitalization, relational accountability to Indigenous languages, and innovative pedagogical materials. She examines the intersection of language, technology, and cultural practices while advocating for systemic decolonization within academic institutions to create space for Indigenous knowledge systems. Galla has secured funding for significant projects including 'Building Indigenous Language Teacher Proficiency and Fluency for Hawaiian and CHamoru Language Medium Education' and 'Digital Technology Use for First Nations Language Education and Revitalization in British Columbia.' She actively organizes community events such as the 'Living Our Indigenous Languages' workshops at UBC's First Nations Longhouse, fostering collaboration between language advocates, educators, and community members. She maintains strong connections with the First Nations and Endangered Languages Program at UBC and continues collaborative work with the American Indian Language Development Institute, demonstrating sustained commitment to Indigenous language communities across North America and the Pacific.
Kai R. Larsen is a Professor at the Organizational Leadership and Information Analytics division within the Leeds School of Business , University of Colorado Boulder . He holds courtesy faculty appointments in the Department of Information Science at the College of Media, Communication and Information , serves as a Research Advisor to Gallup , and is a Fellow of the Institute of Behavioral Science . Education: Ph.D., Information Science, University at Albany, SUNY Candidatus Magisterii (Software Engineering), The National College for Teachers of Commerce, Norway Adjunkt (Education), The National College for Teachers of Commerce, Norway Diplomkandidat, NHI College of Computer Science, Norway His research focuses on Information Systems , particularly addressing the Jingle Fallacy and developing the Semantic Theory of Survey Response . He leads the Federally Supported Human Behavior Project , creating transdisciplinary frameworks using Large Language Models and Natural Language Processing to predict human behaviors across technology utilization, investor decisions, voter behaviors, and cancer prevention. His scientific awards include INFORMS ISS Design Science Award (2019) Best Prototype Award at WITS (2019) Herbert A. Simon Award (2020) David B. Balkin Innovative Teaching Award (2023) Kolb Teaching Award (2022) National Institutes of Health $355,000 Grant (2022-2023) Larsen's grant funding and mentorship achievements include NIH grant for stress ontology research Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award (2021-2022) Technology Challenge Award (2016) He also maintains the Theories Used in IS Wiki and developed the TheoryOn award-winning ontology-based search engine used by thousands.
Lisa Nathan is an Associate Professor and current PhD Program Chair at the University of British Columbia's School of Information, situated on unceded Musqueam territory. Her academic home resides within the Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies under the Faculty of Arts, where she directs doctoral studies and teaches specialized courses in information ethics and climate justice. Her research examines the critical intersection of information policy, sustainability, and Indigenous knowledge systems, exploring how information ecosystems shape societal values through frameworks like climate justice and multi-lifespan design. Nathan's work consistently centers on disrupting colonial information practices while developing ethical alternatives through community-engaged scholarship, particularly evident in her collaborations with Indigenous communities on language preservation and cultural protocols. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward decolonial computing and environmental justice, with increasing emphasis on Indigenous-led information initiatives and the inclusion of 'other-than-human' participants in design processes. Her scholarly output spans high-impact journals including Journal of Documentation and First Monday, alongside influential books like Digital Technology and Sustainability: Engaging the Paradox. Outstanding Information Science Teacher Award (2017) Honorable Mention Paper Award at ACM CSCW (2016) Leadership in ACM SIGCHI Sustainability initiatives British Columbia Library Association Climate Action Committee Nathan actively supervises doctoral research through UBC's Indigenous Information Studies pathway, currently mentoring Rodrigo dos Santos while having guided recent graduates including Shaffer, Shankar, and Kaczmarek to completion. Her service includes chairing the First Nations Curriculum Concentration (2010-2018) and developing innovative courses like LIBR 564: Information Practice and Protocol in Support of Indigenous Initiatives. As Director of the Centre for Climate Justice research cluster, she fosters interdisciplinary collaborations addressing information policy's role in environmental crises.
Jonathon P. Schuldt is a Professor in the Department of Communication and Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University, serving as Executive Director of the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research. His work bridges social psychology with public opinion on environmental and health issues. BS, Cornell University PhD, Social Psychology, University of Michigan Research explores social identity, communication processes, and public engagement with climate change, health, and U.S. politics. Focus areas include terminology effects, cultural determinants of environmental attitudes, and cross-platform climate discourse analysis. Recent publications analyze moral language in climate communication, citizen science labeling, transnational climate policy influence, and post-pandemic vulnerability frameworks. Articles appear in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , Nature Climate Change , and Journal of Environmental Psychology . NSF Award, Collaborative Midterm Survey (2022) NSF Decision, Risk and Management Sciences RAPID award (2020) AAPOR Student-Faculty Diversity Pipeline Award (2019) Carnegie Junior Fellowship Nominee (2019) Top Faculty Paper Award, ICA Environmental Communication Division (2017) CALS Young Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (2015) Teaching emphasizes real-world application through courses like COMM 2850: Communication, Environment, Science, and Health and COMM 4200: Public Opinion and Social Processes . Outreach involves media engagement to inform public discourse on climate and health issues.
Igor Lorencin is Professor of New Testament at the Department of Theology, Friedensau Adventist University, Germany, and Coordinator of the Doctoral Program since 2024. Previously, he served as Lecturer in New Testament Studies at the same institution from 2015 to 2023, and held administrative roles including Dean at Adriatic Union College, Croatia (2013-2015). His academic credentials include: Diplom-Theologian (Dipl.-Theol.) from Friedensau Theological College, Germany (1994-1999) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Andrews University, Michigan, USA (1999-2007) Habilitation (Dr. habil.) from Debrecen Reformed Theological University, Hungary (2018-2023) Lorencin's research centers on New Testament studies with emphasis on early Christian rituals as frameworks for sustaining eschatological hope, social dynamics in early communities (particularly hospitality versus patronage in 3 John), and cosmic conflict in Mark's Gospel. His work integrates ritual theory, cognitive science, and social anthropology to analyze how embodied practices shaped early Christian identity and hope. He actively contributes to Seventh-day Adventist biblical theology, especially regarding apocalyptic literature and eschatology. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2009-2025) reveals consistent focus on ritual embodiment's role in maintaining Advent hope, with increasing attention to cognitive and emotional dimensions of ritual practice. Recent works (2023-2025) demonstrate methodological sophistication through interdisciplinary approaches combining biblical exegesis with ritual studies and social theory. As Doctoral Program Coordinator, Lorencin provides comprehensive student support up to doctoral level, including counseling and academic supervision. His teaching portfolio spans foundational Greek language instruction, advanced exegetical methods, specialized New Testament courses (including Revelation, Johannine literature, and ritual dynamics), and doctoral seminars. He has delivered guest lectures across Europe and North America, reflecting his international academic engagement.
Dr. Christian Morgner is a Senior Lecturer in Cultural and Creative Industries at the Sheffield University Management School. He holds a PhD and MA, with expertise in complexity studies, relational sociology, and cultural networks. His research focuses on: Global cultural processes and innovation Diversity and inclusivity in creative industries Network analysis in urban informal settlements Dementia care through arts interventions Media events and translation dynamics Recent publications analyze cultural transformations in Santiago de Chile, relational creativity in Olympic ceremonies, and digital heritage politics in China. He has secured grants including the Rutherford Fellowship and Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science funding. Scientific awards include: Rutherford Fellowship Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science Postdoctoral Research Fellowship He supervises PhD students and teaches modules on critical theories in cultural and creative industries, marketing, and branding.
Kimberly Belcher is an Associate Professor of Theology and Liturgical Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Her work bridges liturgical theology, ritual studies, and ecumenism, with a focus on the Eucharist, baptism, and the Trinitarian framework of sacramental theology. She is affiliated with the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, the Kellogg Institute for International Studies, and Stellenbosch University’s Practical Theology and Ministry program. Ph.D., University of Notre Dame (2009) M.T.S., University of Notre Dame (2003) B.S., University of Florida (2001) Belcher’s research employs phenomenology, critical theory, and ritual theory to analyze Christian liturgy and human ritual. Recent work explores disaster rituals, responses to violence, and healing practices in the context of the Catholic sex abuse crisis. She has authored foundational texts such as Eucharist and Receptive Ecumenism (2020) and Efficacious Engagement: Sacramental Participation in the Trinitarian Mystery (2011). Her 2024–2025 articles address ecumenical openness, sacramental healing, and the theological implications of ritual systems. These works reflect her commitment to interdisciplinary engagement and practical theology. Fellow, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies Fellow, Kellogg Institute for International Studies Research Associate, Stellenbosch University Belcher serves on the Vital Worship Grants Board of the Calvin Institute for Christian Worship and represents the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in interdenominational dialogues. She teaches courses like Rhythms of Faith and Holy Communion/Christian Disunity .
Professor Massimiliano Tani Bertuol is a distinguished academic specializing in economics at UNSW Canberra's School of Business, where he has served as Professor since 2015. His professional affiliations extend beyond UNSW as he is an Associate Investigator/Member at CEPAR; Ageing Futures; uDASH; AI Institute; and Cyber security (IFCYBER). Additionally, he maintains international connections as a Research Fellow at the Institute for the Future of Labor (IZA) in Germany since 2005, an Associate Member at Macquarie University's Centre for Workforce Futures since 2018, and a Research Fellow at the Global Labor Organization (GLO) in Maastricht since 2016. His educational background reflects a strong foundation in economics and business, having earned a PhD in Economics from the Australian National University (2003), a Master of Science in Economics from the London School of Economics (1992), and a Bachelor's degree in Business/Economics from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy (1989). His academic journey has positioned him as a leading researcher in human capital economics with international recognition. Professor Tani Bertuol's research centers on human capital development and its economic implications. His work examines how human capital can be fostered, efficiently transferred internationally through migration, and how it affects productivity, innovation, and economic growth at both firm and national levels. His research spans multiple regions including Australia, Europe, the US, Africa, and China, with particular focus on migration economics, labor market outcomes, and the economic impacts of education and skills. His current research agenda includes non-pecuniary incentives, behavioral/financial decisions in China, occupational licensing, language skills and economic assimilation, AI-human interactions in health contexts, and labor mobility and productivity. Analysis of his recent publications reveals significant interdisciplinary trends bridging economics with public health, environmental science, and technology. His work connects migration dynamics with economic outcomes, examines household financial behaviors through gender lenses, and investigates the complex relationships between environmental factors like air pollution and economic activities including education investment and entrepreneurship. More recent work explores AI applications in health and the economic implications of pandemic responses, demonstrating his ability to address contemporary challenges through rigorous economic analysis. 2023: UNSW ARC Postgraduate Council (Arc PGC) award for excellence in research supervision 2011: Vice-Chancellor Award for Teaching Excellence 2011: Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence for teaching economics Professor Tani Bertuol has successfully supervised 4 PhD students to completion, with 1 submitted dissertation and 5 currently under supervision. His active research program is supported by significant grant funding including an ARC Linkage Project (2023-27) on regional Australia's skills shortages and high-skill refugees' employment ($354,811), an ARC Discovery Project (2019-23) on migrant aging and wellbeing ($478,000), and a NUW Alliance grant (2021-23) on hearing screening and academic outcomes ($73,367). He serves as Associate Editor for Social Indicators Research and Higher Education Research & Development, contributing to scholarly discourse in his fields of expertise. His teaching portfolio includes courses in data analytics, finance, and professional executive education focused on cost-benefit analysis and data communication. He teaches ZBUS2333 Data Analytics and Visualisation, ZBUS8105 Finance and Investment Appraisal, and ZBUS8149 Introduction to Finance, demonstrating his commitment to developing the next generation of economics professionals with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Sarah Jacoby is a Professor of Religious Studies at Northwestern University , specializing in Tibetan Buddhism with particular focus on gender and sexuality, religious autobiography, Buddhist revelation, and Tibetan literature. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia and previously held a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University’s Society of Fellows in the Humanities. Key academic affiliations: Northwestern University (2009–present), Columbia University (postdoc), University of Virginia (Ph.D.) Teaching areas: Introduction to Buddhism, Buddhism and Gender, Tibetan Religion and Culture, Feminist Theory, Religion and Celibacy Research Themes : Jacoby’s work centers on Tibetan Buddhist women’s voices through textual translation and analysis. Her groundbreaking study of Sera Khandro (1892–1940) explores: Autobiographical ventriloquy and spiritual legitimacy Interdependent personhood and relational ethics Translation methodology as ethical practice Gender dynamics in tantric Buddhist practices Academic Impact : 2016 E. Gene Smith Book Prize for Love and Liberation 2015 American Academy of Religion Book Award Finalist Co-organizer of 2022 Tibetan translation workshop Advocate for Tibetan script in academic publications Key Projects : Current book project on Lelung Zhepai Dorjé’s biographical texts Khyentse Foundation Buddhist Studies Lecture Series chair Collaborative translation initiatives with Tibetan writers and scholars
Luisa Signorelli serves as Senior Tutor in the Department of English Language and Literature at University College London, teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses across English literature, narrative studies, and early modern literature. Her instructional responsibilities include leading seminars for modules like Critical Commentary and Analysis, Narrative Texts, and Shakespeare's London summer school, with teaching activities scheduled through 2025. Her research centers on British and Irish literature with specialized focus on Shakespearean studies (particularly Ophelia's representation) and eighteenth-century literary anthologies, while extending into communication and media studies through analysis of popular culture and digital humanities. Current projects examine gendered virtue ethics in historical contexts and Western cultural hegemony in contemporary media narratives. Signorelli's publications reveal a methodological bridge between traditional literary scholarship and modern cultural critique, consistently interrogating canon formation and recontextualization processes across historical periods. Her work demonstrates particular expertise in tracing the evolution of literary figures through anthologization practices and analyzing video game narratives as cultural artifacts. Her scholarly recognition includes: Postgraduate Bursary from Society for Theatre Research (2025) Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2024) Funds for Women Graduates (2024) Postgraduate Bursary from British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies (2024) Caroline Spurgeon Academic Award (2023) Honourary Life Member of Rete Italiana degli Allievi delle Scuole di Studi Superiori Italiane (2022) Through roles as seminar leader and conference coordinator for events like 'Close Reading in the Digital Age' (2024), Signorelli mentors students across multiple degree programs while advancing interdisciplinary approaches to literary studies. Her teaching portfolio demonstrates sustained engagement with canonical texts from Paradise Lost to The Mill on the Floss, contextualized through contemporary theoretical frameworks.
Amit Sen is a Professor of Economics at Xavier University, with expertise in econometrics, applied statistics, and time series analysis. He co-directs the Center for International Business and oversees international study programs for the MBA and B.S.B.A. in International Business. His research focuses on methodological challenges in unit root testing and structural breaks in time series data. Educational Background: Ph.D. in Economics & Statistics (co-major) from North Carolina State University, M.E. in Economics, and B.A. (Honours) in Mathematics. Sen’s research has been published in leading journals such as the Journal of Business and Economic Statistics, The Econometrics Journal, and Computational Statistics & Data Analysis. His work emphasizes statistical inference in non-stationary time series and economic applications like income convergence and unemployment disparities. He teaches econometrics, time series analysis, and international business courses across undergraduate, M.S., and MBA programs. Sen also contributes to the Philosophy, Politics & the Public Honors program and the Modern Languages & International Economics B.A. program at Xavier. His recent publications (2018-2003) explore unit root methodologies, innovation variance breaks, and economic empirics, reflecting a consistent focus on advancing econometric techniques for real-world data analysis. No scientific awards are mentioned in the provided text.
Gigi Luk is Professor and Program Director for M.Ed. Concentrations in Educational Psychology and Human Development within the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at McGill University's Faculty of Education. Her research program investigates the cognitive consequences of bilingualism across the lifespan, bridging scientific understanding with practical educational applications to cultivate inclusive environments for linguistically diverse learners. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Psychology (Developmental and Cognitive Processes) from York University M.A. in Psychology (Developmental and Cognitive Processes) from York University Specialized Honors B.A. in Psychology from York University Dr. Luk's research centers on bilingualism's cognitive and neural mechanisms, with three interconnected thrusts: (1) characterizing bilingualism beyond English proficiency in communities, (2) examining cognitive skills supporting language/literacy outcomes, and (3) establishing neural correlates of learning in diverse language learners. Her work integrates cognitive neuroscience with educational practice to address real-world challenges in multilingual classrooms, emphasizing culturally responsive pedagogy that respects linguistic diversity. This dual focus on basic science and practical implementation defines her contributions to understanding how bilingual experiences shape cognitive development and educational equity. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2022-2024) reveals consistent interdisciplinary investigation of bilingualism through cognitive, neural, and sociocultural lenses. Her work spans educational psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and sociolinguistics, with growing emphasis on neural correlates of language processing, methodological rigor in bilingual assessment, and equity implications of bilingual research. Key trends include examination of multilingual children's cognitive development, critical reframing of the "bilingual advantage" discourse, and innovative approaches like music-based literacy interventions. Scientific recognition includes: National Academy of Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013-2014) Dr. Luk actively supervises graduate students (accepting new students for 2025-2026) and secures competitive research funding, currently supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Fonds de recherche Société et culture (FRQSC). Her grant portfolio demonstrates sustained commitment to advancing understanding of bilingual cognition and its educational applications through rigorous empirical work. She directs the Bilingualism.Experience.Education Lab, which functions as an interdisciplinary hub for investigating how language experiences shape cognitive development and educational outcomes. The lab employs diverse methodologies including neuroimaging, behavioral experiments, and classroom-based research to address questions about bilingualism's cognitive effects and practical implications for educators.
Ji Ma is an Assistant Professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, with affiliate appointments at the Center for East Asian Studies, School of Information, and Asia Policy Program. He also serves as a Visiting Researcher at the Gradel Institute of Charity, University of Oxford. Dr. Ma received his PhD from Indiana University, establishing a foundation for his interdisciplinary work at the intersection of computational methods and social science. Dr. Ma's research centers on three interconnected streams: computational approaches to social science, knowledge production for evidence-based policymaking, and state-society relations in China. His work bridges advanced technologies with public affairs, developing innovative methods to analyze nonprofit sectors and civil society dynamics. He has pioneered the application of computational social science in nonprofit studies, creating valuable research infrastructure for the field. His recent publications show a clear trend toward integrating AI and computational methods with traditional social science questions. He has made significant contributions to understanding citation patterns in policy communities, consensus formation in academic fields, and the dynamics of state-society relations in China. His work often combines large-scale data analysis with theoretical insights from multiple disciplines. Dr. Ma actively contributes to teaching through courses like "Computational Social Science Methods" and "Data Management and the Research Life Cycle," helping students develop skills in data analysis and research methodology. His teaching emphasizes practical applications of computational methods in public affairs research. Among his notable projects are pracademia.one (an information aggregation platform), npoclass (a nonprofit classifier), and the Research Infrastructure of Chinese Foundations (RICF). These projects reflect his commitment to developing methodological tools that advance research in public administration and nonprofit studies, creating valuable resources for scholars worldwide.
Dr. Husam Al-Najjar is a Lecturer at the School of Computer Science within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He serves as the Course Director for the Bachelor of Information Systems (BIS) program. With expertise in geospatial technology and machine learning, Dr. Al-Najjar focuses on predicting and mitigating natural hazards and environmental issues to contribute to a sustainable digital earth. Dr. Al-Najjar earned his PhD from the University of Technology Sydney. Before joining academia, he worked in project management and has received numerous prestigious awards, scholarships, and grants throughout his career. Dr. Al-Najjar's research primarily centers on the application of machine learning techniques to address complex environmental challenges. His work spans geospatial AI, natural hazard prediction (particularly landslides and bushfires), and sustainable development. He has developed innovative approaches that integrate physical models with machine learning algorithms to improve prediction accuracy in data-scarce environments. His research also extends to remote sensing applications, urban planning, and smart city technologies, with a strong emphasis on practical solutions for real-world problems. Analysis of Dr. Al-Najjar's recent publications reveals a strong focus on applying explainable AI techniques to natural hazard prediction, particularly landslides. His work consistently bridges the gap between theoretical machine learning approaches and practical geospatial applications. He has made significant contributions to integrating physical models with AI, developing methods for handling imbalanced data through generative adversarial networks, and improving feature selection for remote sensing applications in environmental monitoring. Best Paper Award at the ISPRS Geospatial Week in Enschede, the Netherlands As an educator, Dr. Al-Najjar is actively involved in mentoring and teaching. He serves as Course Director for the Bachelor of Information Systems program and teaches courses in GIS, Information Systems, IS development methodologies, Design & Innovation, and Project Management. He welcomes prospective PhD candidates interested in his research areas and emphasizes the importance of detailed research proposals that demonstrate novelty and significance. His teaching philosophy focuses on fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment that promotes student success and well-being. Dr. Al-Najjar is affiliated with 'The Trustworthy Digital Society' concentration at UTS and serves as a referee and holds editorial roles in respected journals. His work contributes to the development of geospatial AI frameworks that support decision-making in environmental management and disaster preparedness.
