Dr. Cristina Moreno Almeida is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Cultures & Arabic Cultural Studies and an IHSS Fellow at Queen Mary University of London. She holds a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship (King’s College London) and previously worked at LSE’s Middle East Centre. Her research focuses on digital media’s intersection with politics, aesthetics, and power, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East. She leads the ERC-funded 'Digital Al-Andalus' project (2023-2024), exploring digital media’s role in politicized narratives and cultural identity. Her key works include Memes, Monsters, and the Digital Grotesque (OUP, 2024) and Rap Beyond Resistance (Palgrave, 2017). Research interests span meme culture, Far-Right ideologies, youth digital participation, and Moroccan rap’s socio-political dynamics. She collaborates with artists via initiatives like the Rhyme Factory (Morocco/Colombia) and organized the 'North African Cool!' workshop (2019). Publications span New Media & Society , International Journal of Press/Politics , and LSE reports. Grants include UKRI/ERC support. Advising focuses on youth cultural production and participatory digital media practices.
Dr. Jochen Rehmert serves as a Research Fellow at the University of Basel's Department of Social Sciences within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. He has held this research associate position in the Institute of Political Science since January 2024, leading his SNF Ambizione project focused on politician non-nomination processes. His institutional affiliation places him within Bernoullistrasse 14/16, 4056 Basel, Switzerland, where the Department of Social Sciences collaborates with swisspeace and the Basel Institute on Governance. Dr. Rehmert completed his doctorate at the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin. His academic trajectory includes postdoctoral research assistant positions at both the Department of Political Science in Zurich (IPZ) and Humboldt University in Berlin, establishing his expertise in comparative political systems before joining the University of Basel. His research program centers on candidate selection mechanisms within political parties, coalition formation dynamics, and parliamentary representation systems, with specialized attention to Japanese politics. This focus manifests in investigations of how parties manage candidate lineups, balance local interests against party priorities, and determine renomination processes for incumbents. His methodological approach frequently employs quantitative analysis and experimental designs to examine political behavior across different electoral systems. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent scholarly contributions examining representation patterns in proportional representation systems, committee appointment processes, and gender dynamics in candidate selection. His work demonstrates particular strength in German and Japanese political contexts while maintaining comparative relevance across parliamentary democracies. The progression from candidate selection studies to coalition formation research shows expanding analytical scope in his academic career. Currently heading an SNF Ambizione project, Dr. Rehmert manages significant research funding that supports his investigation into political non-nomination phenomena. While specific advising relationships aren't documented in available materials, his project leadership role suggests mentorship responsibilities for junior researchers within his team. His collaborations with scholars like Fujimura and Jankowski indicate active international research networks. As part of Basel's Institute of Political Science, Dr. Rehmert contributes to the department's research environment focused on political institutions, electoral systems, and comparative politics. His work intersects with colleagues researching party behavior and parliamentary dynamics, strengthening the department's reputation in these subfields while bringing distinctive expertise in Japanese political systems to the European academic context.
Rama Sundari Mantena is a Professor in the Department of History at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on modern South Asian history, particularly anticolonial nationalism, linguistic nationalism, and the evolution of democracy in colonial and postcolonial contexts. She holds a PhD and teaches courses on Modern India, colonialism, British Empire dynamics, and gender studies in Indian history. Her work critically examines colonial historiography, the intersection of language and political identity, and the global dimensions of decolonization. Notable contributions include Provincial Democracy (2023), analyzing political imaginaries in Hyderabad, and The Origins of Modern Historiography in India (2012), which challenges Eurocentric frameworks in Indian historical scholarship. She has published widely on topics like vernacular public spheres, princely state governance, and the Telangana movement. Mantena’s research synthesizes archival sources and interdisciplinary methodologies to highlight how colonial and postcolonial actors shaped South Asia’s political and intellectual landscapes. Her work bridges local Indian histories with broader global historical narratives, particularly in decolonization and empire studies.
Professor Alexander Badyaev is a prominent evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona since 2009, specializing in evolutionary continuity, developmental plasticity, and avian coloration. His work integrates systems biology, genomics, and field studies to explore how historical constraints and adaptive processes shape evolution. Education: Ph.D. in Organismal Biology (University of Montana, 1999), M.S. in Biological Sciences (University of Arkansas, 1994), and degrees from Moscow State University (Russia). Research focuses on evolutionary mechanisms linking development, environment, and adaptation, with key contributions to carotenoid networks, epigenetic buffering, and phenotypic flexibility. Editorial roles include Evolution, Journal of Evolutionary Biology, and Functional Ecology. He has received prestigious awards such as the Packard Fellowship (2005-2010) and NSF CAREER Award (2005-2010). His research bridges theory and empiricism, emphasizing how ancestral traits influence contemporary evolution. Grants: Packard Fellowship, NSF CAREER, and others supporting studies on avian adaptation and metabolic networks. Labs: Active in field and lab studies, including the Cooper Ornithological Society and collaborations with Uppsala University.
Raj Kumar Pal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on elastic metamaterials, wave propagation, and computational mechanics. He holds a Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2015), an M.E. in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (2008), and a B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Trichy (2006). His research interests span topological waveguides, granular media dynamics, and advanced numerical methods like discontinuous Galerkin techniques. He has pioneered studies on bound states in the continuum in architected materials and topological protection of elastic waves in metastructures. His work on moiré lattices and bilayer elastic plates has advanced applications in vibration control and structural health monitoring. Pal has received notable awards including the NSF CAREER Award (2023), AFOSR YIP Award (2023), and Kansas State University’s Outstanding Assistant Professor Award (2023). His research has been published in top journals like Physical Review Applied , New Journal of Physics , and Granular Matter . Current research themes include advection-diffusion flows, pattern formation in lattices, and tensegrity lattice mechanics. He leads a lab exploring mechanical resonators, nonlinear wave phenomena, and granular media mechanics, with applications in imaging and sensing technologies.
Hillel J. Kieval is Professor Emeritus of Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies and History at Washington University in St. Louis, holding the Gloria M. Goldstein Chair in Jewish History and Thought. He holds dual appointments in the Department of History and the Department of Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies. His expertise spans Jewish cultural and social transformations in Central and Eastern Europe from the Enlightenment to WWII, with a focus on nationalism, antisemitism, and ritual murder trials. Education: PhD, AM, and AB in History from Harvard University (1981, 1975, 1973). Former academic leadership includes Department Chair roles at both JIMES and History (2004–2009, 2012–2015, 2018–2020) and Directorships of Jewish Studies programs. Global affiliations include visiting professorships at Charles University (Czech Republic), Hebrew University (Jerusalem), and the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (Paris). Research interests include Jewish acculturation, nationalism’s impact on Jewish identities, modern antisemitism, and the phenomenology of ritual murder trials. Key works include Blood Inscriptions (2022), Prague and Beyond (2021), and The Making of Czech Jewry (1988). His recent scholarship analyzes how scientific discourse shaped modern ritual murder accusations in Europe. Recognitions include the Silver Medal from Charles University (2022), American Academy of Jewish Research Fellowship (2022), and the Stanley Z. Pech Award (1994). His teaching spans medieval to modern European Jewish history, with courses on antisemitism, Holocaust studies, and cultural mediation. Active in editorial roles for journals like AJS Review and Jewish Social Studies . Professional service includes advisory roles for the Posen Library of Jewish Culture and leadership in organizations such as the Czech and Slovak History Association. His work bridges historical scholarship, cultural critique, and institutional leadership in Jewish studies.
Mohamed Bayoumy is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in optical fiber sensors, materials science, and their applications in extreme environments like nuclear reactors and energy systems. His work focuses on developing radiation-resistant sensors, machine learning-enhanced monitoring, and distributed fiber sensing technologies. He actively contributes to advancing sensor design for harsh conditions and energy sectors. Research interests include distributed fiber optic sensing, radiation tolerance in materials, machine learning for sensor data analysis, and applications in nuclear engineering, additive manufacturing, and hydraulic fracturing. His projects often integrate optical fibers for real-time monitoring of temperature, strain, and environmental parameters. Presentation topics include survey-based studies on remote education during the pandemic, project-based learning in optics, and sensor behavior prediction using neural networks. A patent on optical fiber-based sensing for electrical cables and radiation detection reflects his innovation in applied sensor technologies. Key collaborations involve institutions like Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Daw, Carpenter), Penn State (Ohodnicki, Buric), and international partners. His work bridges fundamental materials science with applied engineering solutions for energy and infrastructure challenges.
Russell Bisset is an Assistant Professor at the University of Innsbruck, leading a research group focused on ultracold quantum matter theory. His work explores phenomena in dipolar quantum gases, self-bound droplets, supersolids, and quantum vortices. He is affiliated with the Center for Ultracold Atoms and Quantum Gases, collaborating with groups from the University of Innsbruck and the Austrian Academy of Sciences. His research interests span theoretical modeling of ultracold quantum systems, including: Supersolidity in dipolar condensates Quantized vortices in anisotropic superfluids Self-organization in binary quantum gases Dimensionality effects in 2D superfluid systems Recent work emphasizes 2D supersolid formation and probing superfluidity via angular oscillations. His group collaborates with experimental teams to bridge theory and observation, as seen in Nature and Phys. Rev. Lett. publications. Advising includes PhD/MSc students like Ashwath Madhusudan and Rene Röhrs, with former students transitioning to institutions like Heidelberg University. The group operates within the ESQ Quantum Austria framework, leveraging advanced computational tools for quantum many-body systems. Laboratory activities focus on numerical simulations and interdisciplinary approaches to quantum matter, contributing to next-generation quantum technologies.
Dr. Neil Loughlin is a Senior Lecturer in Comparative Politics at City, University of London, within the Department of International Politics, School of Arts and Social Sciences. He serves as the Programme Director for the BSc Politics programme and teaches core modules including Puzzles in Comparative Politics, Authoritarianism and Democracy in the 21st Century, and Comparative Asian Politics. He also contributes to postgraduate qualitative research methods. Education: PhD in Politics, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London (2019) Prior academic training at the University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, University of Sydney, and University of Copenhagen Neil's research centers on authoritarian politics and the political economy of development, with a strong regional focus on Southeast Asia. His work explores themes such as post-conflict state-building, patronage networks, authoritarian developmentalism, land dispossession, and resource extraction. He has extensive professional experience in human rights and development, having worked with local and international NGOs and consulted for USAID and DEFRA. His recent monograph, The Politics of Coercion: State and Regime Making in Cambodia (Cornell University Press, 2024), and his publications in journals like Comparative Politics , Democratization , and Third World Quarterly reflect a consistent focus on the interplay between coercion, development, and regime resilience. His current research investigates the political implications of Chinese investment through the Belt and Road Initiative and the rise of transnational organized crime, particularly cyber scams, in Southeast Asia. Scientific Engagement and Recognition: Associate Fellow, Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV) Contributor to international media including Al Jazeera, The Diplomat, Global Post, The Guardian, The Nikkei, The Observer, Radio Free Asia, and Voice of America Neil has advised on research projects and contributed to policy discussions through consultancy work. His teaching and research are deeply informed by his field experience in Southeast Asia. He has previously taught at the University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, and held fellowships at the University of Sydney and University of Copenhagen. His academic work bridges rigorous scholarship with real-world policy and human rights concerns. Laboratories and Research Groups: While not affiliated with a formal laboratory, Neil is actively engaged in collaborative research networks focused on Southeast Asian politics, authoritarianism, and development. He contributes to interdisciplinary academic communities through his fellowships and publications.
Carly Schissel is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the Pennsylvania State University, based in the Department of Chemistry. Her research focuses on chemical biology and drug discovery, leveraging organic synthesis and molecular biology to design bioactive peptides with therapeutic potential. She leads the Schissel Lab, which explores novel peptide structures and their functions through a combination of chemical synthesis, computational modeling, and in-cell experiments. Education: B.A. in Chemistry (Williams College, 2016), Ph.D. in Chemistry (MIT, 2022), and a Miller Institute Research Fellowship at UC Berkeley (2022–2025). Notable awards include the 2024 UC Berkeley Postdoc Achievement Award and the 2023 American Chemical Society WCC Pfizer Emergent Leader Award. Research interests center on engineering peptides with non-canonical structures, such as d-peptides and β2-peptide linkages, to enhance drug delivery and biological activity. Key projects include using machine learning to design nuclear-targeting peptides and developing automated flow chemistry for protein synthesis. Her work bridges fundamental chemistry with translational applications, aiming to create next-generation therapeutics. The lab’s recent launch in August 2025 at Penn State underscores its growing impact in the field of peptide-based drug discovery. Scientific awards highlight her contributions to chemical synthesis and drug development, including recognition for teaching excellence during her time at MIT.
Sudipta Sen is a Professor in the Department of History at the University of California, Davis, where he is affiliated with the College of Letters and Science. He is based in SSH 3228 and can be reached at ssen@ucdavis.edu. His research and teaching focus on South Asian and British imperial history, with a strong emphasis on environmental and maritime themes. Education: Ph.D. (Distinction), Department of History, University of Chicago, June 1994 M.A. in Social Science, Department of History, University of Chicago, December 1988 M.A., Post-graduate Department of History, Calcutta University, Calcutta, April 1988 B.A. (Honors), Department of History, Presidency College, Calcutta, June 1985 Dr. Sen's research lies at the intersection of environmental history, colonialism, and cultural studies, particularly focusing on the Ganges River, coastal societies, and the British Empire in South Asia. His work explores how ecological systems, imperial governance, and local communities interacted over time. He has published extensively on the historical evolution of waterways, trade, and sovereignty in colonial India. His recent publications reflect a strong trend toward interdisciplinary scholarship, combining history with environmental science, anthropology, and postcolonial theory. Themes such as amphibious lifeworlds, riverine cultures, and colonial marketplaces dominate his scholarly output, indicating a sustained interest in the material and symbolic dimensions of space, water, and empire. Scientific Awards and Honors: William Jones Memorial Medal, Asiatic Society (Kolkata) Fulbright-Nehru Academic Excellence Award (2020-21) Innovative Learning Technology Initiative (ILTI) Grant, UC Office of the President UGC DSA Senior Visiting Fellow, Jadavpur University NEH Senior Research Fellowship via American Institute of Indian Studies Fellow, Institute for Social Sciences, UC Davis Dr. Sen has secured significant research grants and fellowships supporting his work on South Asian history and digital pedagogy, including the 'Punjabi Without Walls' initiative. He has served on the CST Executive Committee and continues to contribute to academic service and curriculum innovation. His leadership in interdisciplinary and digital humanities projects underscores his commitment to expanding access to South Asian studies. He is actively involved in research and publication, with a recent co-edited volume on coastal societies and ongoing work on crime and punishment in early British India. His scholarship bridges historical narrative with environmental and spatial analysis, making him a leading voice in South Asian environmental history.
Mariel Vázquez is a Professor of Mathematics and Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at the University of California, Davis. Her research integrates topological methods, polymer physics, and molecular biology to study DNA structure, viral evolution, and chromosomal organization. She holds joint appointments in the Departments of Mathematics and Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, and leads the Topological Molecular Biology Lab. Education: B.Sc. in Mathematics (1994, National Autonomous University of Mexico); Ph.D. in Mathematical Biology (2000, Florida State University). Awards include AAAS Fellow (2024) and NSF CAREER Award (2015). Her work focuses on DNA topology, R-loop formation, and coronavirus evolution using tools like knot theory, Monte Carlo simulations, and topological data analysis. Key research areas include: DNA packing in bacteriophages, chromosomal aberrations in cancer, and computational models of viral evolution. She collaborates on projects like predicting R-loop formation via formal grammars and analyzing SARS-CoV-2 mutation landscapes. Her lab also develops novel knot tables and symmetry-driven nomenclature for topological studies. Advocacy: Committed to diversity in STEM, she co-founded initiatives like the Center for the Advancement of Multicultural Perspectives on Science (CAMPOS) and published on challenges faced by early-career Latinas in academia. Her work bridges interdisciplinary research with educational outreach to underrepresented groups.
Jesús M. Velázquez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on designing dimensionally reduced materials, including monolayers, nanocrystalline thin films, and mesoporous monoliths, with applications in nanoelectronics, energy conversion, and environmental remediation. Education: Ph.D. (2012) and B.S. (2004) from University at Buffalo-SUNY and University of Puerto Rico-Cayey, respectively. His group employs advanced characterization techniques like microscopy, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and synchrotron-based methods to establish structure-function correlations that iteratively guide materials design. Representative research areas include energy conversion , electrocatalysis , and environmental remediation . Key trends in his publications include applications of machine learning to materials synthesis, exploration of Chevrel-phase sulfides for energy storage, and development of mesoporous ceramics for oil spill cleanup. His work bridges inorganic chemistry and materials engineering with a focus on sustainability. Scientific Awards: Jean Dreyfus Lectureship (2024) Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellow (2023) Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (2022) APS Sustainable Energy Fellowship (2021) NSF CAREER Award (2020) Cottrell Scholar Award (2020)
Germano S. Iannacchione is a Professor of Physics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), specializing in experimental research on thermo-physical properties of condensed matter, particularly soft-matter materials, colloids, and far-from-equilibrium systems. He joined WPI in 1998 and has mentored over 156 students (11 PhD, 14 M.Sc., 121 B.Sc.). Affiliations: Member of the Interactive Materials Design Center (iMDC) at WPI (2015–present) Former Program Director at NSF (Condensed Matter Physics Program, 2017–2020; Biomaterials Program, 2018–2019) Former Head of Physics Department at WPI (2006–2016) Founder of WPI's Nuclear Science & Engineering Program (2012–2017) and Master of Science in Physics for Educators (MPED) Program (2012–2016) Research Interests: His work focuses on phase transitions, liquid crystals, biomaterials, and self-assembly in complex fluids. He pioneered image-based analysis techniques for studying drying droplet patterns and their morphological evolution. His studies reveal insights into protein-LC interactions and crack formation mechanisms in colloidal systems. Key Contributions: Expanded the Physics Department at WPI to 20 faculty and $2M+ annual research funding Founded outreach initiatives: R.H. Goddard Cup Rocket Competition, Physicspalooza summer camps Established the STEM Faculty Launch Workshop (2015–2016) to mentor early-career academics Grants & Awards: NSF Division Director Appointment (January 2023) Sigma Xi Awards (2015) Highlighted in WPI News for STEM education and science communication efforts Labs & Teams: His lab integrates undergraduates into MQP projects, focusing on experimental condensed matter physics and interdisciplinary collaborations across materials science, biophysics, and engineering.
Ajaya Ravindran is a Visiting Professor in Meteorology at the Department of Geography, Ohio University, within the College of Arts and Sciences, USA, a position he has held since August 2024. He has previously served in significant academic and research roles including Associate Professor at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, Visiting Scientist at New York University Abu Dhabi, and Senior Research Scientist at the Centre for Prototype Climate Modelling. His career spans institutions in Canada, Japan, India, and the United States, reflecting a globally engaged research profile. His educational background includes: PhD in Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (2001) M.Tech in Atmospheric Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology (1995) M.Sc/PGDCA in Applied Physics/Computer Applications, Gandhigram Rural University (1993) B.Sc in Physics, University College, University of Kerala (1990) Ajaya Ravindran's research centers on climate modeling and monsoon dynamics, with a focus on South Asia and the Middle East. His work investigates climate extremes, monsoon variability, the simulation of Madden-Julian Oscillations (MJO) in GCMs, CMIP model evaluation, and regional climate modeling. He explores how large-scale climate patterns like ENSO, IOD, and Atlantic Zonal Mode influence monsoon behavior and extreme weather events. His studies often combine observational analysis with high-resolution and coarse-resolution climate model simulations. The 15 most recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on monsoon systems, tropical dynamics, and climate change impacts. They span disciplines including atmospheric science, climate modeling, oceanography, and hydrometeorology. Key themes include monsoon rainfall mechanisms, cyclone dynamics, diurnal cycles in the Maritime Continent, urban climate effects, and fog formation in arid regions. His work frequently involves collaboration with international teams and utilizes models such as WRF and GCMs. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Dr. Ravindran has taught a wide range of meteorology courses including Introduction to Meteorology, Tropical Meteorology, Atmospheric Dynamics, Numerical Weather Prediction, and Planetary Boundary Layer Meteorology. While no formal advisees are listed, his extensive publication record with junior researchers suggests active mentorship and team leadership. He has been involved in climate modeling projects funded by institutions such as New York University Abu Dhabi and the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling. He has contributed to major research initiatives including the Centre for Prototype Climate Modelling and the NEPTUNE Canada network, indicating participation in large-scale observational and modeling efforts. His work on climate data management and simulation suggests involvement in both theoretical and applied aspects of meteorology.
