Jan Strelau was a distinguished psychologist and professor at institutions such as the Warsaw School of Social Sciences and Humanities (SWPS) and the University of Warsaw. His career spanned over four decades, holding roles like Vice-Rector for Research and Professor of Psychology. He earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Warsaw in 1963. Strelau's research focused on temperament, personality, and individual differences. He developed the Regulative Theory of Temperament and authored influential books like Temperament: A Psychological Perspective . His work integrated behavioral genetics, psychometrics, and cross-cultural studies, emphasizing the biological basis of personality traits. He received numerous accolades, including the Humboldt Research Award (1990), Max Planck Research Award (1992), and Poland’s prestigious Foundation for Polish Science Award (2000). His contributions were recognized through honorary doctorates from Gdańsk, Moscow, and Poznań universities. Strelau served as a leader in academic organizations, including the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters. His legacy includes pioneering studies on temperament’s role in stress responses, coping mechanisms, and resilience, shaping modern psychological theory and methodology.
Dr. Anna Hamling is a Professor in the Department of Culture and Media Studies at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) in Fredericton. Specializing in nonviolence and peace studies, her work emphasizes civil resistance strategies and the role of creative mediums like art and media in fostering peace. She is globally recognized for her interdisciplinary research, including edited volumes such as Women on the Pilgrimage to Peace , which explores global narratives of women’s peace activism. In 2024, she was honored as a Peace Professor by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). Her academic journey began with the works of Leo Tolstoy and Miguel de Unamuno, focusing on religious and philosophical themes of nonviolence. She is developing a new course, Pilgrimage Across Cultures , integrating experiential learning through walks and mindfulness practices. Ongoing projects include aiding the Canadian Peace Museum’s establishment and participating in the 2024 World March for Peace and Nonviolence in Costa Rica. Hamling’s research bridges cultural studies, media analysis, and activism, with a focus on marginalized voices in peacebuilding. Her work spans historical case studies (e.g., Chilean tapestry protests) and contemporary issues like the role of women in nonviolent movements. She advocates for interdisciplinary approaches to peace education and community engagement, reflected in initiatives like UNB’s International Day of Peace survey.
Terry Shoemaker is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies. He is a Faculty Affiliate at the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict and the American Studies program in the School of Social Transformation. Shoemaker holds a PhD in Religious Studies from ASU (2018), alongside degrees from Western Kentucky University (M.A. and B.A.). His research focuses on religion in contemporary U.S. life, particularly intersections between religion and sports, exvangelicalism, white Christian nationalism, and spirituality in modern America. He is the author of Religions and Sports: The Basics (2024) and co-editor of the International Journal of Sport and Religion . His work explores how sport embodies sacred experiences and serves as a lens for understanding civil religious practices. Shoemaker teaches courses such as Religion and Sports, Religion in America, and Religion and Popular Culture, contributing to ASU's undergraduate certificate in Sports, Cultures, and Ethics. He co-directs the Sports @ Humanities Institute and actively consults with media organizations on religious and cultural topics.
Jelle Wiering is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities and a member of the Network Institute at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. His research focuses on Religion in Europe, Secularism Studies, and the interplay between Colonialism and Religion. He holds a dual appointment bridging organizational sciences and interdisciplinary research networks. Wiering’s research interests revolve around theoretical perspectives on secularity, everyday expressions of religion, and the socio-cultural dimensions of secularism. He employs case studies to explore how secular frameworks shape contemporary societal practices, particularly in the Netherlands. His recent work includes analyzing secular material culture through studies like the symbolic role of condoms in Dutch sex education. He co-edited the book Transforming Bodies and Religions: Powers and Agencies in Contemporary Europe (2020), which examines embodiment and power dynamics in religious contexts. His publications span peer-reviewed articles and editorial contributions in journals like Material Religion and Religion and Gender . Wiering teaches courses such as 'Confronting Commodity Chains' and 'Premaster Kwalitatief onderzoek Organisatiewetenschappen,' reflecting his focus on qualitative research methods and critical engagement with socio-economic systems. His research often intersects with colonial legacies and interdisciplinary methodologies.
Eunice Macedo is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto (FPCEUP), where she teaches in undergraduate and master's programs and supervises research students. She is an integrated researcher at the Centre for Research and Intervention in Education (CIIE) and leads the research community Policies of Inclusion and Voices: Diversity, Gender and Intersectionality . She also coordinates CIIE’s strategic area on Engagement of Vulnerable Young People in Education and Training and is Deputy President of the Paulo Freire Institute of Portugal. PhD in Educational Sciences, University of Porto (2012) Master in Educational Sciences, University of Porto (2005) Bachelor in Educational Sciences, University of Porto (2001) Primary School Teacher, Escola do Magistério Primário do Porto Her research focuses on citizenship education, early school leaving, gender, inclusive pedagogy, and the role of arts in education . She explores how innovative methodologies like problem-based learning and arts integration can foster youth agency, well-being, and democratic participation, especially among marginalized groups. Her work emphasizes participatory and ethnographic approaches, often involving co-creation with students and teachers. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on educational equity, youth voice, and critical pedagogy . Themes such as second-chance education, climate activism among youth, autism inclusion, and Freirean theory recur across her work. Her research is strongly applied, aiming to inform policy and practice through collaborative projects. Scientific Awards and Recognitions No specific awards or fellowships are mentioned in the provided text. Research Projects and Grants Eunice has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects, including: STALWARTS (Portuguese Team Leader): Sustaining Teachers and Learners with the Arts EduTransfer (Co-PI): Transferability of promising practices in education RESL.eu : Reducing Early School Leaving in Europe LINK : Engaging vulnerable youth through arts PODER : Power dynamics in education ClimActiC : Climate citizenship and science COSI.ed : Co-created education for social inclusion Advising and Mentorship She supervises research students in areas such as citizenship education, diversity, gender, and innovative pedagogy. While specific student names are not listed, her leadership in research communities and projects indicates active mentorship. Laboratories and Research Groups She is a key member of the Centre for Research and Intervention in Education (CIIE) and leads the research community Policies of Inclusion and Voices: Diversity, Gender and Intersectionality . She is also involved in the LabDERE (Digital Experimentation and Research Laboratory in Education) at FPCEUP.
Dr. Merel Schuring is an Assistant Professor in Occupational Health at the Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center. Her research focuses on reducing socioeconomic health inequalities by promoting sustainable employment, particularly among vulnerable populations such as individuals with chronic diseases, mental health challenges, disabilities, and youth at risk of school dropout. Institution: Erasmus University Medical Center Department: Department of Public Health Position: Assistant Professor in Occupational Health Her research interests lie at the intersection of public health, employment, and social inequality. She investigates how health conditions and working environments influence labor market participation across the life course. Key themes include inclusive hiring practices for people with disabilities, supporting employees with health challenges, and preventing youth unemployment through improved education-to-work transitions. Methodologically, she specializes in advanced quantitative techniques—including difference-in-differences, multilevel modeling, and propensity score matching—and integrates these with qualitative methods such as interviews and focus groups. Her work often employs mixed-methods and realist evaluation approaches to assess interventions like Bewegen Werkt and Werk als Beste Zorg . The recent article trends reflect a consistent focus on mental health, employment trajectories, socioeconomic disparities, and policy-relevant outcomes. Her work spans epidemiology, occupational health, psychology, and social policy, with strong emphasis on longitudinal and register-based studies, as well as qualitative insights into barriers and facilitators in real-world contexts. Dr. Schuring collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across public health, psychology, and economics, co-producing knowledge with policymakers and employers to ensure actionable impact. Her research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals on good health, reduced inequalities, and decent work. Supervised doctoral students and research projects, including studies on school dropout and mental health Involved in evaluating national and regional public health programs Active in knowledge translation and stakeholder engagement She leads and contributes to research groups focused on sustainable employment and health equity, working closely with institutional and community partners to develop evidence-based strategies for inclusive labor markets.
Arzu AKDEMİR is an Assistant Professor at Uskudar University's Department of Women's Health and Diseases Nursing. She holds a PhD from Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa (2023) and has extensive experience in midwifery education and women's health research. Her work focuses on reproductive health, breastfeeding support, and health inequalities affecting women. Education: BSc Nursing, Istanbul University Florence Nightingale School of Nursing (2006) MSc Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Istanbul University Health Sciences Institute (2008) PhD Women's Health and Diseases Nursing, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa (2023) Research Interests: Dr. AKDEMİR's research addresses critical issues including abortion spirituality, PCOS impact on quality of life, and healthcare disparities for disabled women. She emphasizes respectful maternity care and innovative midwifery education through simulation technologies. Professional Activities: Leading researcher in two ongoing BAP projects on midwifery skill development Member of academic commissions and research groups Teaches courses on obstetrics, gynecological nursing, and high-risk pregnancies
Prof. Dr. Nardi Steverink is an Associate Professor at the University of Groningen, affiliated with both the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences (Department of Theoretical Sociology) and the Faculty of Medical Sciences. His research focuses on aging, life course analysis, social relations, self-management, and well-being. He coordinates the Master's program 'Sociology of Health, Welfare, and Care' and teaches courses like 'Social Determinants of Health'. His work combines qualitative and quantitative methods to explore topics such as social frailty, health interventions for older adults, and the impact of life course events on volunteering and health outcomes. He has supervised several master's theses on mental health during pandemics, aging in low-SES neighborhoods, and gendered work-family dynamics. Recent publications emphasize interventions for long-term social assistance recipients, community-based health programs, and the role of geographical mobility in well-being. His expertise bridges sociology and gerontology, addressing both theoretical and applied aspects of aging societies.
Thomas Leopold is a Full Professor (W3) at the Institute for Sociology and Social Psychology, University of Cologne, within the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences (WiSo-Fakultät). His work bridges empirical social research with comparative studies of inequality, family dynamics, and health outcomes across life courses. PhD (Dr. rer. pol.), University of Bamberg, 2012 MA in Sociology, University of Bamberg, 2008 Leopold’s research integrates social demography, quantitative methodology, and family sociology. He investigates life course inequalities, health stratification, and gender dynamics in domestic labor, employing advanced statistical techniques for longitudinal and comparative analyses. His publications reveal trends in gender equity in housework, post-divorce vulnerability patterns, family health transmission mechanisms, and life course transitions. Articles frequently apply cohort sequence designs, mediation analysis, and matching methods to address causal social processes. Max Weber Postdoctoral Fellowship, European University Institute (2012–2013) He leads the ERC-funded KINMATRIX project (2020–2025) on European family solidarity structures and co-investigates cross-national life course inequality frameworks like CRITEVENTS and EQUALLIVES. His work appears in top journals including Demography , Journal of Marriage and Family , and Sociological Science .
Angela Minichiello is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Education at Utah State University’s College of Engineering. She holds a PhD in Engineering Education from Utah State University, an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, and a BS in Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace) from the United States Military Academy. A licensed Professional Engineer in Utah and Colorado, she is also a U.S. Army veteran with experience as a thermal-mechanical engineer. PhD, Engineering Education, Utah State University, 2016 MS, Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1997 BS, Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace), United States Military Academy, 1987 Her research centers on engineering education, with a focus on educational technology, distance and online learning, mobile learning, and asset-based frameworks to improve inclusivity and access. She employs qualitative, mixed-method, and multi-method research to study student experiences, particularly those of nontraditional and military-connected students. Her teaching includes foundational courses like Engineering Mechanics Dynamics and Thermodynamics, as well as graduate courses on the foundations of engineering education and qualitative research methodologies. Her recent publications span topics such as emergency remote learning during the pandemic, student well-being, identity development, and design-based research in engineering education. The articles reflect strong interdisciplinary engagement across education, psychology, public health, and engineering practice, with a consistent emphasis on student-centered pedagogy and inclusive learning environments. Selected Awards and Honors: Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year (2025) Outstanding Graduate Mentor of the Year (2024) Researcher of the Year (2023, 2022) JEE Star Reviewer Award (2021) National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship (1994) Distinguished Graduate, US Military Academy (1987) Dr. Minichiello has mentored numerous graduate students in Engineering Education and has been recognized repeatedly for her mentorship and scholarly contributions. She has also contributed to curriculum development, including K–12 engineering design resources, and serves as an ABET program evaluator. Her work is deeply committed to transforming engineering education through inclusive, research-informed practices. She leads or contributes to initiatives involving mobile learning tools, narrative inquiry, and the integration of user experience design in STEM education. Her lab and research team focus on developing and evaluating innovative teaching methods and digital tools to enhance student learning and professional development in engineering.
Anne Zinski is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine, where she also serves as Director of Educational Research, Evaluation, and Assessment. She holds additional appointments as an Associate Scientist at the UAB Center for AIDS Research and the Minority Health & Research Center, reflecting her interdisciplinary contributions to public health and medical education. Her research centers on enhancing educational practices in medical training, with a focus on the validity and reliability of clinical grading, real-time feedback mechanisms, and the prevention of learner mistreatment. She investigates how teaching methods, such as gamification and technology integration, affect student engagement and performance, particularly in foundational courses like microbiology. Dr. Zinski’s scholarly work spans both medical education and HIV-related public health. Her recent publications analyze perceptions of mistreatment between students and preceptors, the impact of behavioral interventions on HIV care retention, and the role of psychosocial factors in patient outcomes. These studies often employ mixed methods, including surveys, focus groups, and longitudinal data analysis, and are published in journals such as Academic Medicine , Medical Science Educator , and AIDS and Behavior . She has contributed to major research initiatives, including the iENGAGE trial, which evaluates behavioral interventions for newly diagnosed HIV patients. Her work highlights disparities in HIV care related to race, gender, and socioeconomic status, and emphasizes the need for structural improvements in clinical evaluation and patient support systems. Dr. Zinski earned her PhD in Public Health Education and Promotion from UAB and began her career in the Division of Infectious Diseases, focusing on patient self-care behaviors. She transitioned to medical education in 2015, where she has since led program evaluation and research efforts to improve learner assessment and competency communication. She actively collaborates with researchers across disciplines and has published on topics ranging from hepatitis C care linkage to psychiatric comorbidities in HIV patients. Her leadership in educational research continues to shape evidence-based practices in medical training and patient-centered care.
Magdalena Herzberg-Kurasz, M.A., is an Assistant Professor at the University of Gdańsk's Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Sociology, Department of Sociology of Everyday Life. Her work focuses on family dynamics, migration studies, and gendered social practices. Current research examines emotional geographies of domestic spaces Specializes in post-parental identity and intergenerational cohabitation Methodological expertise in qualitative research and reflexive interviewing Recent publications analyze pandemic-driven family reconfigurations in France and Poland, gendered space reclamation in empty-nest households, and Polish migration narratives in Norway. Her fieldwork spans material culture studies, life-course sociology, and transnational identity frameworks.
Karine Millaire is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law, Université de Montréal, specializing in constitutional law, human rights, and Indigenous law. Originally from the Huronne-Wendat Nation, she has developed significant expertise in areas including cultural safety, collective autonomy, and constitutional protections for Indigenous peoples. She created the mandatory course 'Droit des Premiers Peuples' for law students, responding to Call to Action 28 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Her educational background includes a doctoral degree in constitutional law from the University of Ottawa (completed as a Vanier Scholar), a summa cum laude diploma from the Institute of Federalism at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, and both a master's with honors and a law degree from Université Laval. Since 2015, she has taught public and constitutional law at both the University of Ottawa and Université de Montréal. Professor Millaire's research focuses on personal and collective autonomy, consent of Indigenous peoples, and the protection of fundamental rights in contexts of cultural, normative, and constitutional pluralism. Her work emphasizes knowledge mobilization to shape public policies, decolonize institutional practices, and support the respect and implementation of rights and freedoms, particularly regarding cultural safety. She is a member of the Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intersectional Justice, Decolonization and Equity (CRI-JaDE). Her scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with constitutional interpretation, particularly regarding Indigenous rights, medical assistance in dying, and federalism. Her recent publications show increasing focus on practical applications of constitutional principles to contemporary issues of reconciliation, cultural safety, and Indigenous self-determination. The trajectory of her work reveals a deepening commitment to bridging theoretical constitutional analysis with concrete policy recommendations. Professor Millaire has significant practical legal experience, having practiced litigation with the Quebec Attorney General's office for five years (2008-2013) and later serving as legal advisor to the First Nations Health and Social Services Commission of Quebec-Labrador. She currently serves as a volunteer board member and secretary for Projets Autochtones du Québec and the McCord Stewart Museum. Her current research projects include the Qanittaq Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative (2023-2030), a study on reconciliation with public institutions five years after Joyce (2025-2027), and multiple projects related to cultural safety rights for Indigenous peoples in Quebec healthcare systems (2024-2026). These projects are funded by major Canadian research agencies including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
Danuta Opozda is a Professor at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin , affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences and Department of Family Pedagogy . Her work focuses on family education, parental roles, intergenerational relations, and narrative research in pedagogy. Institute of Pedagogy Scientific editor of Pedagogical Annals (4th issue) Reviewer for Social Pedagogy Nova , Lublin Pedagogical Yearbook , and others Member of the Polish Academy of Sciences (KNP PAN) Her research interests span family pedagogy, upbringing models, identity formation, and the intersection of cultural/social changes with family dynamics. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and narrative methodologies. Recent articles analyze topics like parental burnout, intergenerational relations, and the role of forgiveness in family communication, often connecting empirical research with theoretical frameworks from Christian pedagogy. Scientific Awards: Rector's Award (IV degree, 2023) Bronze Cross of Merit (2017) Individual Rector's Award (II degree, 2014) Leadership: Organized national conferences on family education Co-hosted international events like 'Synergia środowisk wychowawczych' Member of multiple scientific committees
Mona Jerndahl Fineide is a Professor at the Department of Welfare, Management and Organisation at Oslo Metropolitan University (HiOA). She holds a PhD in Working Life Science from Karlstad University, Sweden. Her research focuses on governance, organization, and management of health and welfare services, particularly coordination of services for citizens with complex challenges and the role of professions in welfare systems. She is affiliated with the Master’s program in Integrated Health and Welfare Services, coordinating the 'Organization and Management' course. Key research projects include ROPIT (Integrated Services for Dual Diagnosis Patients) and future welfare services initiatives. She has served on the University College Board (2017–2021) and is a deputy member (2021–2025). Research interests span healthcare policy, digitalization in welfare, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Over 30 publications include works on clinical pathways, Lean management in public services, and the impact of organizational structures on care outcomes. She co-edited the book Organizational Perspectives on Coordination of Health and Welfare Services . Recent work explores digitalization barriers in child welfare, team-based obesity treatment models, and public perceptions of future welfare systems.
