Helle Ørsted Nielsen is a Senior Researcher at Aarhus University, affiliated with the Department of Environmental Science (Environmental Social Science and Geography) and the Department of Political Science. Her research focuses on climate, energy, and agro-environmental policies, emphasizing policy target group behavior, effectiveness evaluation, EU policy implementation at national/local levels, and municipal climate strategies. Projects: URBANOME (2025), U_CAN (2024–2027), Coast to Coast Climate Challenge (2021–2022), ACCESS (2019–2023), ETC/CCA (2019–2021), PEER-TRISD (2018–2021), RoboWeedMaPS (2017–2020). Expertise: Climate-energy-environmental policy, policy-target behavior, multi-level governance, implementation of EU directives.
Dr Dan Fisher is a Research Associate at the Centre for Public Policy, University of Glasgow, specializing in political geography with a focus on borders, asylum determination, and refugee integration. His work examines governance practices of refugee integration, decision-making processes of forced migrants, and judicial determinations of asylum appeals. Previously, he contributed to the evaluation of Scotland's 'New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy' through the UNESCO Chair for Refugee Integration. Dan Fisher completed his PhD at the University of Edinburgh, where his thesis critically engaged assemblage theory to analyze border control mechanisms. His field research spanned Spain, Morocco, and the UK, tracing performances of border control and tactics of resistance. Educational background includes doctoral research at Edinburgh and prior research positions at the James Hutton Institute and University of Exeter. Fisher's research interests center on the political geography of borders and migration, with particular expertise in asylum processes, refugee integration strategies, and the material politics of migration governance. His work combines theoretical frameworks like assemblage theory with empirical research on administrative practices, spatial dynamics, and temporal dimensions of border control. He investigates how forced migrants navigate complex bureaucratic systems and how integration policies are implemented at local levels, with increasing focus on comparative analysis of integration approaches across European contexts. His publication record demonstrates consistent thematic focus across multiple disciplines, bridging political geography, legal studies, and migration policy. Recent works show evolution from theoretical explorations of border control to increasingly policy-relevant research on asylum appeals and refugee integration strategies. The geographical scope spans European contexts with particular attention to the UK and Scotland, while methodologically combining qualitative approaches with legal and policy analysis. Fisher actively engages with policy communities through multiple channels. He has assisted in drafting the third iteration of Scotland's New Scots Strategy, co-organized stakeholder events on refugee integration, and published open-access research reports including work with the Public Law Project. His research has directly informed Scottish Parliament debates and contributed to the UK Government's Home Affairs Committee Inquiry into Immigration Detention. He regularly participates in the Scottish Government's Cross-Party Working Group on Migration. As part of the Centre for Public Policy at the University of Glasgow, Fisher collaborates with interdisciplinary teams focused on migration governance. His current work continues to analyze judicial determinations of asylum appeals while examining practical implementation of refugee integration strategies in Scotland, building on previous research conducted with the UNESCO Chair for Refugee Integration through the Languages and the Arts.
Rachael Lewis is a Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Business School, where she specializes in management accounting and control systems. With a PhD from the University of Technology Sydney completed in 2016, she brings both academic rigor and practical industry experience to her research and teaching. Education: PhD from University of Technology Sydney (2016) Rachael's research focuses on the role of management accounting and control systems in shaping managerial cognition, with particular interest in mental models and local expertise. She specializes in qualitative methodologies to understand how managers think and make decisions. Her work spans several key areas including management accounting, performance measurement, aged care sector analysis, and cognitive aspects of management control. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on the Australian aged care sector, examining business models, performance measurement frameworks, staffing issues, and regulatory approaches. This research has significant policy implications and contributes to ongoing debates about improving quality and sustainability in aged care services. Rachael currently teaches strategic management accounting and has previously taught management control, cost management, and introductory management accounting at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Before her academic career, she gained valuable industry experience working in the Tax and Advisory departments of KPMG and as a consultant to Macquarie's Banking and Financial Services Group, which informs her practical approach to teaching and research. Her recent publication record shows a consistent trajectory of high-impact research with practical applications, particularly in the aged care sector where she has contributed to policy discussions through submissions to government consultation papers. This demonstrates her commitment to ensuring academic research has real-world relevance and impact.
Mats Fred is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Lund University and an Affiliated Researcher at CIRCLE. His academic work focuses on understanding the organization of the public sector, with particular emphasis on reform initiatives and public sector innovation. His research interests include the organization of public sector/services, public sector innovation, projectification and temporary forms of organization, the organization of knowledge, expertise and learning, and Political- and Organizational Ethnography. Fred has conducted extensive research on social investments and social impact bonds in Swedish municipalities and regions over more than 10 years, examining how these initiatives create new roles, actors, and coalitions. He also studies public transport and the development of traveling apps, analyzing how public authorities transition from procuring off-the-shelf products to building internal capacity and how this affects both internal organization and relationships with citizens. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on digital sovereignty, integrated urban mobility, collaborative governance in European social funds, and the projectification of public administration. Fred's research often employs ethnographic methods to understand organizational practices in the public sector, with particular attention to how temporary and experimental forms of organization function in practice. George Jones Prize (2022) Mats Fred is actively involved in multiple research projects, including NavRisk (2024-2027) which examines sustainability through risk-taking in urban planning, and 'Vi vill bli bäst på att vara kommun' (2024-2025) focused on evidence-based preparation processes. He collaborates extensively with researchers like Dalia Mukhtar-Landgren, Alexander Paulsson, and Lina Berglund-Snodgrass. His work contributes to understanding sustainable development goals related to governance and public institutions, and he participates in the NOOS - Swedish Network on Public Organization and Management.
Lisa Dellmuth is a Professor at the Department of Economic History and International Relations, Stockholm University. She co-directs the Stockholm Center for Global Cooperation (SCGG) and leads the PhD program in International Relations. Her work focuses on public opinion, legitimacy, and redistribution in global governance, employing experimental and quantitative methodologies. Education: PhD in Political Science (2011, University of Mannheim) Postdoctoral Fellowships: Stockholm Resilience Center (2015–2016), Stockholm University Political Science Department (2011–2014) Her research explores legitimacy politics, elite communication, and climate governance, with books such as Legitimacy Politics: Elite Communication and Public Opinion in Global Governance (Cambridge University Press, 2023) and Citizens, Elites, and the Legitimacy of Global Governance (Oxford University Press, 2022). She coordinates major projects funded by Formas, Mistra, EU, Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, and the Swedish Research Council. Recent publications address peer opinion, ideological divides, non-state actor participation, and climate adaptation. Awards include the Michael Endres Prize 2021 , Sage Award 2012 , and UACES Honorable Mention 2022 . Editorial Roles: European Journal of Political Research, Interest Groups & Advocacy Program Committees: Political Economy of International Organizations (PEIO) annual conferences
Shawn Gerstenberger, Ph.D. , is Professor and Dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) , where he also directs the Environmental and Global Health Laboratory . He leads statewide initiatives on childhood lead-poisoning prevention and healthy housing, founding the Nevada Healthy Homes Partnership and collaborating with the Southern Nevada Health District, City of Henderson, and Nevada State Health Division. Education: Ph.D. (field not specified in text) Research Focus: Dr. Gerstenberger’s work integrates environmental toxicology and public-health practice, concentrating on childhood lead exposure , mercury contamination in wildlife and humans , and the built environment’s impact on health . His laboratory evaluates housing hazards, designs community-level interventions, and tests innovative control strategies for invasive quagga mussels in Western U.S. waterways. Publication Trends: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles (2008–2024) reveal three converging themes: (1) comprehensive assessment of toxic metals (lead & mercury) in vulnerable populations and ecosystems; (2) mixed-methods evaluation of healthy-homes and lead-hazard-control programs; and (3) development of radiation- and bio-based tools for managing invasive aquatic species. These studies span laboratory toxicology, large-scale biomonitoring, community-engaged research, and policy analysis. Scientific Awards & Recognition: While specific named awards are not listed in the provided text, Dr. Gerstenberger’s sustained federal funding from the CDC , HUD , and EPA underscores national recognition of his impact. Grants & Community Partnerships: He has secured multiple collaborative grants, including: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Healthy Homes & Lead Hazard Control Environmental Protection Agency – Environmental Health Research Southern Nevada Health District – Screening & Intervention Programs City of Henderson – Local Housing Assessments Nevada State Health Division – Statewide Public Health Initiatives Laboratory & Teams: Dr. Gerstenberger directs the Environmental and Global Health Laboratory at UNLV, mentoring graduate students and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams across environmental sciences, epidemiology, and community health. The lab serves as the academic hub for the Nevada Healthy Homes Partnership , translating research into policy and practice across the state.
Elisa Beth McNeill is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Health Behavior at the School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, with over 40 years of teaching experience spanning middle school to university levels. Her expertise includes adolescent health, health pedagogy, and population health promotion. PhD in Health Education (2010) MS in Educational Administration (1989) BS in Health Education (1985) Her research focuses on adolescent health, sexuality education, and curriculum innovation. Recent work explores mental health outcomes for males with intellectual disabilities, game-based learning tools, and teen pregnancy prevention programs. Her publications emphasize mental health, sexuality education standards, and health equity. She co-authored the textbook Health Education: Creating Strategies for School and Community Health . Emma Gibbons Legacy Award (2018) Health Division Teach of the Year (2005, 2009, 2013) Distinguished Achievement Award (2009) Fish Camp Namesake (2023) Dr. McNeill contributes to national organizations like the American School Health Association and serves on local boards. She holds certifications in Mental Health First Aid and Effective College Instruction.
Dr. Alina Brad is a Senior Scientist and Deputy Head at the Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, with a focus on international climate and environmental policy, carbon dioxide removal technologies, decarbonization, and political ecology. She contributes to socio-ecological transformation research and serves as a Coordinating Lead Author for the 2nd Austrian Assessment Report on Climate Change (AAR2). Institution: University of Vienna, Department of Political Science Projects: FWF Elise Richter Programme (2023–2027), FOCAL-points (2022–2026), APCC Climate Change Reports Education: PhD in Political Science (University of Vienna, 2011), Diploma in Political Science (University of Vienna) Her research bridges political ecology, climate governance, and demand-side mitigation policies, analyzing structural challenges in decarbonization and transnational environmental conflicts. Recent work addresses carbon management tensions in Austria, EU climate target negotiations, and household GHG footprint inequalities. Scientific contributions span critical evaluations of carbon certification practices, socio-ecological conflicts in Indonesia, and debates on degrowth versus post-extractivism. She collaborates with institutions like the Austrian Academy of Sciences and Leibniz Institute for Regional Development. Awards: FWF Elise Richter Programme Grant, Austrian Academy of Sciences Fellowships Memberships: Editorial Board of Journal for Development Policy, Austrian Society for Political Science, Association for Critical Society Research
Rebecca Harris is a Professor of Politics at Washington and Lee University, where she teaches in the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics. She specializes in food policy, farm policy, and public policy, bringing a unique dual perspective as both an academic scholar and a commercial farmer operating in the Shenandoah Valley. Her research focuses on the intersection of politics and agriculture, with particular attention to how partisan dynamics shape food and farming policies in America. Harris examines historical and contemporary relationships between political parties and agricultural policy, challenging common assumptions about which party supports farmers and why. Her primary research interests include: Food policy and politics US farm subsidies and agricultural economics Partisan approaches to food security and safety Environmental regulations affecting farmers Policy implementation at the local level Agricultural risk management Harris has published significant scholarly work, most notably her book "Party Food: A Partisan History of Food & Farming in America" (2021), which examines how Democratic and Republican approaches to food policy have evolved throughout American history. Her research reveals that Democrats have historically supported farm subsidies as social welfare policy, while Republicans have often preferred market-based solutions despite being perceived as the "farmer's party." She is currently working on a follow-up book titled "Barnstorming" that explores changing political attitudes toward American agriculture. Harris has participated in congressional farm bill field hearings, including one hosted by Ranking Member Thomas in Rockbridge County, Virginia, in October 2021. Her teaching portfolio includes courses on public policy, environmental policy, and a specialized Spring Term course on food policy, where she connects theoretical frameworks with practical farming experiences from the Shenandoah region. She aims to help students understand how government policies translate to real-world impacts on individual lives.
Sarah Holst Kjaer is an Associate Professor at Stockholm University's Department of Ethnology, History of Religions and Gender Studies, where she bridges academic research with practical applications in tourism and cultural industries. With a PhD completed in 2009, her career spans over 15 years of scholarly contribution and industry collaboration. Her research focuses on two interconnected domains: Scandinavian family-folklore examining how families create local culture and relationship narratives through everyday practices Tourism studies specializing in culture-based innovation and experience economy concepts Dr. Kjaer has developed expertise in transforming everyday environments into extraordinary experiences, with recent emphasis on staycation phenomena. Her work combines ethnographic methods with action research to create social and economic sustainability in communities through cultural expressions. Her publications reveal consistent scholarly output with themes spanning romantic relationships, museum development, experience design, and tourism industry adaptation. The research demonstrates a trajectory from theoretical analysis toward practical implementation, particularly in Scandinavian tourism contexts. Dr. Kjaer maintains a visible public profile through media appearances where she translates academic insights about romantic relationships for general audiences, including serving as a love expert on Danish Broadcasting's reality shows reaching over 150,000 viewers. At Stockholm University, she teaches European ethnology, urban studies, museum studies, and folklore studies to both Swedish and international students, while also developing executive-level courses for industry professionals.
Dr. Elina Varoutsa is a Senior Lecturer in Accounting at Cardiff Business School , Cardiff University, since 2014. Previously, she was a Lecturer at Surrey Business School. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Management Accounting (University of Manchester), MSc in Accounting and Finance (University of Manchester), and BSc in Business Administration (Athens University of Economics and Business). She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Current Roles: Senior Lecturer, Admissions Tutor (Accounting & Finance postgraduate programs), Year 1 Exam Board Chair, Trustee & Honorary Treasurer (Management Control Association). Research Interests span interdisciplinary studies connecting management accounting with sociology and marketing, focusing on: Public value and social impact in organizational accounting Employee diversity and racial accountability in NHS Risk management frameworks in financial sectors Management control systems across industries Charity impact measurement practices Scientific Awards UKRI Creating Opportunities through Local Innovation Fellowship (COLIF) as Principal Investigator (2025) Teaching includes undergraduate modules like Foundations of Business Accounting, postgraduate courses in Advanced Management Accounting, and MBA-level Financial Analysis and Control. She contributes to curriculum design and academic governance.
Melanie Nagel is a political scientist affiliated with the University of Tübingen and Heidelberg University , focusing on environmental policy. She leads the ICAWaR research project at the Geo- and Environmental Research Center (GUZ) and coordinates carbon emission initiatives for local climate action. Doctorate : University of Konstanz (2014) Habilitation : University of Tübingen (2023) Her research spans climate policy networks , air pollution control , water management , and agricultural sustainability . She employs social network analysis to decode governance dynamics in urban and local climate action. Current projects include analyzing biodiversity strategies and transformative climate policies in German and international contexts. Recent publications highlight trends in environmental governance , urban climate resilience , and policy network effects . Her work appears in journals like Journal of Environmental Management , Npj Climate Action , and Review of Policy Research . Melanie Nagel collaborates with institutions such as the University of Arizona, IBEI in Barcelona, and the international COMPON network. She teaches social network analysis at the POLNET Methods School and has held visiting positions in Germany, Europe, and the U.S.
Adell L. Amos serves as the Clayton R. Hess Professor of Law at the University of Oregon School of Law and Executive Director for the UO Environment Initiative. She teaches in the nationally ranked Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program, specializing in Water Law, Federal Administrative Law, and Environmental Conflict Resolution. Her work bridges legal scholarship with practical water policy development across federal, state, and local levels. Her educational background includes a B.A. from Drury College (1995) and a J.D. from the University of Oregon (1998, Order of the Coif). She clerked for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and practiced environmental law with the U.S. Department of Interior before joining academia. Amos' research centers on water governance structures, examining federal-state jurisdictional dynamics, administrative agency roles in water policy, and stakeholder participation in decision-making. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates hydrologic and socioeconomic modeling to address climate change impacts on water systems, with particular focus on the Willamette River Basin and western U.S. water conflicts. Her extensive publication record reveals consistent interdisciplinary trends, merging legal analysis with hydrological science and policy modeling. Recent work emphasizes drought management in human-natural systems, groundwater-dependent ecosystem protection, and the integration of law into regional water models. These publications demonstrate growing emphasis on climate resilience, transboundary water governance, and innovative conservation mechanisms within western U.S. water frameworks. Clayton R. Hess Professor of Law (2015) UO Faculty Fund for Excellence Award (2013) Orlando J. Hollis Teaching Award (2009) Wayne Morse Center Resident Scholar (2009-2010) Dean’s Distinguished Faculty Fellow (2013) Amos has secured major research funding from the National Science Foundation, NOAA Fisheries, U.S. Department of Energy, and Natural Resources Defense Council for projects like the Willamette Water 2100 initiative. As Executive Director of the Environment Initiative, she leads campus-wide sustainability efforts while maintaining active roles in national policy discussions through the Hewlett Foundation's Open Rivers Fund and frequent engagements with federal agencies and judicial bodies. She directs the Environment Initiative's interdisciplinary research teams and collaborates with institutions including Oregon State University on water resources policy. Her leadership extends to the Willamette Water 2100 project, a multi-institutional effort modeling hydrologic and socioeconomic interactions in the basin.
Philip J. Barnes is an Assistant Professor at the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration and Lead Policy Scientist at the Institute for Public Administration (IPA) at the University of Delaware. He specializes in local climate change adaptation, municipal planning, and sustainable development. His work focuses on flooding and sea level rise mitigation, non-traditional transportation systems (e.g., bikeshare, electric vehicles), and smart cities. Barnes holds a Ph.D. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy (University of Delaware, 2015), an MScEng in Structural Engineering (University of Michigan, 2003), and a BScEng in Civil and Environmental Engineering (University of Michigan, 2002). His research emphasizes community resilience, policy implementation, and justice/equity in urban contexts. He has extensive experience in roles ranging from postdoctoral research to leadership in policy science at IPA, alongside teaching courses such as Planning Sustainable Communities and Washington, D.C. Policy Practicum . Barnes collaborates with municipalities and state agencies to design actionable climate adaptation strategies and evaluates emerging transportation technologies' societal impacts. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided text. His professional trajectory includes international work as a structural engineer in Ireland, a teacher in France and Burkina Faso, and research in Ghana. He is affiliated with the SNF Ithaca Initiative and contributes to initiatives like the Delaware Center for Civics Education and the Water Resources Center.
Timothy J. Shaffer is the inaugural Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Chair of Civil Discourse and Director of the SNF Ithaca Initiative at the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration, University of Delaware. He holds joint appointments in the Department of Communication and School of Education, and serves as Senior Faculty Fellow with the Institute for Public Administration (IPA). Shaffer also directs Civic Engagement and Deliberative Democracy at the National Institute for Civil Discourse (University of Arizona) and co-directs the Deliberative Pedagogy Lab. PhD, Education, Cornell University (2014) MPA, University of Dayton (2008) MA, Theological Studies, University of Dayton (2006) BA, Theology, St. Bonaventure University (2004) Shaffer's research bridges deliberative democracy , civic engagement , and public administration , with a focus on how civic professionals facilitate democratic processes in institutions like local governments and NGOs. His work explores civic education , small group communication , and equity-driven policy , particularly in higher education and community development contexts. Recent publications analyze technological impacts on democratic discourse , pedagogical innovations , and grassroots social justice frameworks . Shaffer's awards include the Early Career Recognition Award (IARSLCE), National Team Excellence in Extension Award , and 2021 National Extension Award for Diversity . He mentors the SNF Ithaca Student Leaders and coordinates national dialogues across 15 universities.
