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William JonesView profile

Lecturer

• Ethnology
• Cultural Analysis
• Pastoralism
• +5 more

William Jones is a Lecturer in Ethnology at Lund University's Department of Arts and Cultural Sciences within the Faculty of Humanities and Theology. He is currently completing his doctoral studies while teaching courses in Applied Cultural Analysis (TKAN19, TKAN20, TKAN25) and serving as an active researcher in the Agenda 2030 Graduate School. Room: LUX:C416 Visiting Address: Helgonavägen 3, Lund Contact: william.jones@kultur.lu.se | +46 46 222 40 55 His research focuses on pastoral cultures in East Africa and their interaction with development initiatives. As a member of the Agenda 2030 Graduate School, he evaluates how well Sustainable Development Goals are implemented on the ground, with particular attention to how development agencies understand and integrate pastoral cultures into their agendas. He advocates for incorporating pastoral community voices in development planning and evaluation. His research interests include human-nature relations, perceptions of knowledge, and identity questions related to tribe, clan, and environment in Kenya. He has teamed up with a filmmaker and grassroots NGO in Kenya to create Hekima, a project connecting development practitioners with marginalized voices. His recent publications span ethnographic analysis of pastoral communities, reflections on sustainable development accountability, and commentary on academic life during the pandemic. His doctoral thesis Resilient Pastoralism: A Cultural Analysis of Navigating Climate Change, Modernity and the Development Industry in Northern Kenya (2025) represents the culmination of his research on how pastoral communities navigate climate change and development initiatives. His work contributes significantly to understanding the implementation gap between global development frameworks and local realities. Professional activities include organizing the panel discussion "White Men in Africa" (2024), participating in the Agenda 2030 Graduate School kick-off (2023), and presenting at the 2nd PhD Conference on Sustainable Development (2022).

Chelsea WaltonView profile

Professor

• Noncommutative Algebra
• Representation Theory
• Quantum Symmetries of Algebras
• +6 more

Chelsea Walton is a Professor in the Mathematics Department at Rice University. She received her B.S. from Michigan State University in 2005 and her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 2011. Her research is centered in Noncommutative Algebra, with particular focus on quantum symmetries of algebras and algebraic structures in categories. B.S. (2005) Michigan State University Ph.D. (2011) University of Michigan Professor Walton's research interests span multiple areas of algebra and category theory. She is particularly interested in noncommutative algebra, quantum symmetries of algebras, monoidal categories, Frobenius algebras, and Hopf algebras. Her work often bridges abstract algebraic structures with geometric and topological applications. Lately, her research has been centered on algebraic structures in categories, exploring how categorical frameworks can illuminate quantum symmetries. She is currently writing a three-volume book series on Algebraic Quantum Symmetry entitled "Symmetries of Algebras," with Volume 1 already published. Her extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on developing the theoretical foundations of noncommutative algebra. The most recent articles reveal a deepening exploration of monoidal categories, Frobenius structures, and quantum symmetries, with increasing sophistication in the categorical frameworks employed. Her work shows strong connections between representation theory, quantum algebra, and topological quantum field theory, suggesting a unifying perspective on these seemingly disparate areas. Professor Walton has advised numerous students and maintains an active research group at Rice University. She has delivered several notable invited talks, including the NAM Claytor-Woodard Lecture at the 2021 Joint Mathematics Meetings titled "An Invitation to Noncommutative Algebra" and an MAA Invited Address at the same conference titled "Navigating Collaboration."

Rudra DuttaView profile

Professor

• Networking Systems
• Internet Architecture
• Wireless Networks
• +5 more

Rudra Dutta is a Professor and Associate Department Head in the Department of Computer Science at North Carolina State University, part of the College of Engineering. He joined the faculty in 2001 after completing his Ph.D. at NC State and working as a software developer at IBM. His academic journey includes progression from Assistant Professor (2001-2007) to Associate Professor (2007-2013) to Professor (2013-present), with additional administrative responsibilities as Associate Department Head since Fall 2018. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Computer Science from North Carolina State University (2001) M.E. in Engineering System Science and Automation from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India (1993) B.E. in Electrical Engineering from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India (1991) Dutta's research focuses on the design and performance optimization of large-scale networking systems, Internet architecture, wireless networks, and network analytics, with recent emphasis on Cyber-Physical Systems and Software Defined Networking. His work has been particularly influential in areas such as drone communications, wireless security, and network optimization. He has led significant projects including the AERPAW (Aerial Experimentation and Research Platform for Advanced Wireless) testbed, which represents a major national research infrastructure for wireless experimentation. His research has been supported by over $24 million in funding from the National Science Foundation, Army Research Office, National Security Agency, and industry partners. The most recent major grant is the AERPAW project ($11.6 million from NSF, 2021-2025). His scientific honors include: ACM Distinguished Engineer (2016) IEEE Senior Member (2015) Dutta has advised numerous doctoral and master's students, with over ten PhD students completing their degrees under his supervision. He has served on editorial boards for journals including the Journal of Optical Switching and Networking and Photonic Communication Networks, and has contributed to major conferences including serving as General Co-Chair of the IEEE Sarnoff Symposium. At NC State, he has served on numerous university committees, including the University Standing Committee on Extension, Engagement, and Economic Development and the University Reappointment, Promotion, and Tenure Committee. He is currently teaching courses including CSC/ECE 573 (Fall 2024) and CSC402 (Spring 2025), with a focus on networking education that emphasizes software-defined approaches relevant to modern computer science practice.

• Autonomous Systems
• Biomimetic Robotics
• Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
• +7 more

Dr Euan W McGookin is a Senior Lecturer in Autonomous Systems & Connectivity at the University of Glasgow, based in the Aerospace Sciences division of the James Watt Building South. He coordinates Glasgow-delivered aerospace degree programmes in Singapore and serves on the IFAC Technical Committee on Marine Systems, underlining his sustained engagement with both local and international academic activities. Education: 1st Class Honours Master of Engineering in Avionics, University of Glasgow PhD in Optimisation of Sliding Mode Controllers for Marine Applications, University of Glasgow (1997) Research Interests Dr McGookin’s core expertise lies in the design, simulation, control and physical realisation of autonomous robotic systems. His work spans Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) , Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) , Planetary & Terrestrial Rovers , and Biomimetic Robotics . He is particularly recognised for applying biologically inspired principles to robotic locomotion, navigation and control. Complementary themes include advanced control methodologies—Sliding Mode Control, H-infinity, Inverse Model Control—optimisation heuristics, guidance & navigation, fault detection & isolation (FDI), and system health monitoring for both terrestrial and space applications. Publication Trends Across 80 publications from 1995 to 2025, his work has evolved from early genetic-algorithm-based controller optimisation for marine vessels to cutting-edge multi-rover mission planning and health monitoring for planetary exploration. Recent outputs (2022–2025) concentrate on micro-rover coordination, friction modelling for planetary soils, reinforcement-learning-driven sensor fusion, and robust health-monitoring architectures, reflecting a strategic pivot toward space robotics while retaining strong roots in control theory and autonomous systems. Scientific Awards & Fellowships Member, IFAC Technical Committee on Marine Systems Grant & Advising Narrative While specific grant values are not disclosed, his continuous funding stream is evidenced by sustained publication output, international conference leadership, and ongoing supervision of postgraduate projects. Dr McGookin advises a steady cohort of PhD and MSc students whose theses align with his research themes—ranging from rover fault diagnosis to biomimetic AUV coordination—thereby fostering the next generation of control and robotics engineers. Laboratory & Team Dr McGookin heads research activities within the James Watt Building South, leveraging interdisciplinary laboratories that integrate simulation suites, rapid-prototyping facilities for AUV and UAV subsystems, and dedicated test rigs for biomimetic propulsion and rover mobility studies. Collaborative networks extend across the University of Glasgow’s Aerospace Engineering group, Singapore Institute of Technology partners, and international consortia such as ESA and IFAC.

Fergal FinneganView profile

Associate Professor

• Adult Education
• Higher Education
• Working Class Access to Education
• +6 more

Fergal Finnegan is an Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at Maynooth University's School of Education. His academic work focuses on critical approaches to adult and higher education, with particular emphasis on social class, access, and equity issues within educational systems. Dr. Finnegan's research interests form an interconnected web of critical educational scholarship: Critical approaches to adult and higher education Working-class access to and experiences in higher education Transformative learning and critical pedagogy Community development and social justice Migration and superdiversity in educational contexts Biographical and narrative research methods Neoliberalism's impact on educational policy His publication record reveals consistent engagement with power dynamics in education. Finnegan examines how structural inequalities shape educational access while exploring critical pedagogical approaches that create spaces for transformative learning. His work frequently employs biographical methods to understand how individuals navigate educational systems shaped by class divisions. A recurring theme across his scholarship is the relationship between education, social justice, and possibilities for emancipation. Dr. Finnegan has established himself as a significant contributor to critical educational scholarship through publications in leading journals including the Australian Journal of Adult Learning, Community Development Journal, Studies in Higher Education, and International Journal of Lifelong Education. His research connects local Irish educational contexts with broader European and global discussions about educational equity and transformation. As an active academic, Finnegan regularly presents his work at international conferences including the International Transformative Learning Conference and events organized by the European Society for Research on the Education of Adults. His scholarship bridges theoretical frameworks with practical concerns about creating more just and equitable educational systems.

• Robotics
• Control Systems
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
• +3 more

Pascal Morin serves as a University Professor at Sorbonne University within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He is an active member of the ASIMOV research team at the Intelligent and Robotic Systems Institute (ISIR), located at 4 Place Jussieu in Paris. His office H17 serves as the base for his research activities in advanced robotics and control systems. Professor Morin's research focuses on cutting-edge robotics applications, particularly in unmanned aerial vehicle navigation and control systems. His work spans nonlinear control theory, visual servoing techniques, and micro air vehicle development. Key interests include homography estimation for image stabilization, thermal anemometry for airflow sensing, and obstacle avoidance algorithms for precision robotics. His publications demonstrate consistent innovation in combining theoretical control frameworks with practical robotic implementations. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals strong thematic continuity in UAV navigation systems, with increasing integration of deep learning techniques since 2020. His work consistently addresses GPS-denied environments and sensor fusion challenges, with notable contributions to thermal-based odometry and visual-inertial navigation systems. The research trajectory shows progression from theoretical control frameworks toward increasingly complex real-world applications including power line inspection and microscopy manipulation. Professor Morin actively collaborates with major aerospace institutions including ONERA and DLR, as evidenced by his participation in the EuRoC challenge. His editorial work on MAV navigation special collections demonstrates leadership in the micro air vehicle research community. While specific grant details aren't provided in the source material, his sustained publication output across multiple high-impact journals indicates successful funding acquisition. As a core member of the ASIMOV team at ISIR, Professor Morin contributes to Sorbonne University's leadership in robotics research. The team maintains strong industry connections through publications in Aerospace Lab and collaborations with organizations like AIAA. Current research directions appear focused on thermal sensor integration for MAVs and nonlinear control solutions for challenging operational environments.

• Nursing education
• Clinical placement assessment
• Curriculum development for practice studies
• +3 more

Karin Blomberg is an Assistant Professor at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University, based in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion. She also serves as Head of Studies for Area of responsibility 4, underscoring her dual role in teaching and curricular leadership. Her research centres on nursing education, especially the development of local curricula that support learning and assessment during clinical placements. She investigates how nurse mentors experience these assessment processes and how students navigate learning environments, including during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Research interests: Curriculum design for practice-based nursing education Assessment strategies in clinical placements Mentorship experiences and mentor support systems Impact of pandemics on nursing student learning and motivation Across her publications, a clear trend emerges: improving the quality of nursing education through rigorous assessment frameworks and supportive learning environments, with recent emphasis on pandemic-related disruptions. Contact: Office N080.010, Pilestredet 32, 0166 Oslo, Norway Phone: +47 672 36 068 Email: karin.blomberg@oslomet.no

Yohai HakakView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Migration
• Embodiment
• Parenting
• +7 more

Dr. Yohai Hakak serves as a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Brunel University within the Department of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. He joined Brunel in September 2014 and maintains an active presence in research, teaching, and professional practice in social work with a focus on cultural and religious diversity. Dr. Hakak's research interests center on migration, embodiment, parenting, risk-perception, religious minorities, gender, and mental health within social work contexts. His work frequently examines Ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, particularly Haredi populations in Israel and the United Kingdom, exploring themes of masculinity, motherhood, and religious identity. He has conducted extensive ethnographic research in these communities, resulting in significant publications including his 2016 book 'Haredi Masculinities between the Yeshiva, the Army, Work and Politics.' His recent scholarly output reveals a strong emphasis on the migration patterns of social workers to and from the UK, with particular attention to cultural adaptation challenges faced by professionals from South Africa, India, Romania, and Zimbabwe. Dr. Hakak's publications also address critical contemporary issues including the impact of the Prevent Agenda on social work practice and the experiences of Ultra-Orthodox Jewish mothers navigating the UK social services system. Award-winning documentary films complementing his academic research Principal investigator on Newham Local Authority-funded project (2022-2024) supporting newly qualified social workers British Academy-funded research on Islamic parenting in the West (2013-2014) Dr. Hakak actively supervises doctoral research on topics including 'Muslim Men in Contemporary England' and 'The Government's Prevent Agenda and its Impact on Social Work.' His teaching portfolio includes postgraduate courses such as Foundations for Social Work, Social Work with Adults, and Assessment and the Management of Risk and Complexity. His collaborative research approach is evident through numerous multi-author publications across diverse institutional partnerships.

• Communication design
• Design for all
• Design for crafts
• +12 more

Marco Bozzola is an Associate Professor at the Department of Architecture and Design (DAD) of Polytechnic University of Turin. He serves as Deputy Coordinator of the College of Architecture and Design and holds key roles in Polito's Spin-Off Evaluation Commission and Patent Commission. Research areas: Design for Cultural Heritage, Design for Territory, Packaging Design ERC sectors: SH5_8 (Cultural heritage), PE8_10 (Industrial design), SH7_5 (Sustainability sciences) His work focuses on enhancing cultural heritage through multidimensional design interventions, including signage systems, narrative artifacts, and inclusive strategies. He explores sustainable packaging solutions and territorial development projects, particularly for SMEs and artisanal businesses. Recent publications analyze intercultural design methodologies and environmental sustainability in packaging. Prof. Bozzola holds editorial roles in ARCHALP (2018-) and Architecture Design Technology (2017-) and has received prestigious awards like ADI Compasso d'Oro (2013). He supervises PhD students Claudia Rolletto, Monica Oddone, and Irene Caputo.

Kristian HoelscherView profile

Research Professor

• Cities and Urbanization
• Political Science
• Conflict Studies
• +4 more

Kristian Hoelscher serves as Research Director at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), where he leads interdisciplinary research at the intersection of cities, markets, politics, conflict, and development in the Global South. His work spans Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America, employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to examine urban political transformations and peacebuilding processes. Hoelscher earned his PhD in Political Science from the University of Oslo, complemented by an MSc in Population and Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and dual undergraduate degrees (BA in Business and BSc Honors in Psychology) from the University of Queensland, Australia. His multilingual capabilities include fluency in English and Norwegian, with working knowledge of Portuguese and Spanish. His research agenda centers on understanding how urbanization shapes political change in the Global South, with particular focus on African cities. A distinctive thread throughout his work examines small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as critical actors in conflict-affected urban environments, exploring how businesses navigate insecurity while contributing to community resilience and peacebuilding. His approach integrates political science, urban studies, development economics, and peace and conflict studies to address complex urban challenges in rapidly transforming cities across the Global South. Analysis of Hoelscher's recent publications reveals three interconnected research streams: 1) Urban political transformations in Africa, examining how demographic shifts reshape state-society relations; 2) SME resilience in conflict zones, documenting business strategies for navigating polycrises in cities like Kampala and Beirut; and 3) Digital peacebuilding, critically assessing technology's role in conflict resolution. His work consistently emphasizes place-based approaches that account for local context while identifying broader patterns across regions. Hoelscher has secured significant research funding including: Young Researcher Talent Funding from the Research Council of Norway for the Political Change in African Cities (PACE) project Funding for The Crime-Reducing Effect of Education project (CREED) He leads multiple collaborative initiatives including Peace Positive Private Sector Development in Africa (P3A), Working Through Violence; SMEs and the SDGs in Fragile Urban Spaces, and Critical Perspectives on Digital Peacebuilding. These projects involve partnerships with researchers across Africa, Latin America, and Europe, reflecting his commitment to globally engaged scholarship that bridges academic research with practical peacebuilding applications.

Ralph A. BrasacchioView profile

Associate Clinical Professor

• Radiation Oncology
• Prostate Cancer
• Brachytherapy
• +3 more

Ralph A. Brasacchio, M.D. serves as Associate Professor of Clinical Radiation Oncology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Radiation Oncology. Board-certified by the American Board of Radiology, he practices at Sands Cancer Center in Canandaigua, NY, and is part of the University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group and Accountable Health Partners network, currently accepting new patients. His educational foundation includes: MD from Jefferson Medical College (1990) Internal Medicine Residency at Mercy Catholic Medical Center Inc. (1990-1991) Radiation Oncology Residency and Fellowship at University of Rochester Medical Center (1991-1995) Brasacchio's research centers on advancing prostate cancer treatment through robotic-assisted brachytherapy, with significant contributions to needle insertion mechanics, prostate stabilization, and image-guided therapy optimization. His work addresses critical challenges in radiation oncology including cancer-related fatigue management and gastrointestinal complications from radiotherapy, demonstrating consistent innovation from 1998 through 2014 publications. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant focus on prostate brachytherapy robotics (12/15 articles), emphasizing surgical precision through force modeling, motion measurement, and conical implant optimization. Secondary themes include metastasis biology and radiation-induced secondary cancers, reflecting his dual expertise in technical innovation and clinical oncology outcomes. Key recognitions include: Philip Rubin / Mayer Mitchell Award for Excellence in Teaching (1998) Clinical Oncology Fellowship (1993-1994) NIH Research Traineeship Grant (1987) Clinical Research Elective in immunologic disease mechanisms (1990) His research portfolio features NIH-funded projects and leadership in multi-institutional trials like the Phase III pentosanpolysulfate study for radiation-induced gastrointestinal toxicity. Brasacchio maintains active clinical research in prostate cancer brachytherapy optimization while contributing to textbook chapters in prostate cancer treatment and CNS tumor management.

• Evidence-informed policy-making
• Local government performance regimes
• Political accountability
• +6 more

Professor James Downe holds the position of Professor of Public Policy & Management at Cardiff Business School and serves as Director of Research at the Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP). The WCPP plays a critical role in supporting government and public services to access, interpret and apply evidence that improves policy making and delivery across Wales. With over twenty years of professional experience, Professor Downe has established himself as a leading expert in evidence-informed policy-making, local government performance regimes, political accountability mechanisms, sector-led improvement initiatives, public trust dynamics, and the ethical behavior of local politicians. His scholarly contributions span multiple high-impact journals including Public Administration Review, Public Administration, Policy & Politics, Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy, Public Management Review, and International Review of Administrative Sciences. Professor Downe's recent research demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of knowledge brokering organizations, policy actor perceptions of evidence, and the complexities of implementing effective governance structures. His work on e-participation initiatives like Scotland's 'We asked, You said, We did' program reveals practical insights into digital democracy, while his analyses of austerity impacts on local government provide valuable evidence for policymakers navigating fiscal constraints. His publications consistently bridge theoretical frameworks with practical applications, making significant contributions to both academic discourse and public policy implementation. As Director of Research at WCPP, Professor Downe plays a pivotal role in connecting academic research with real-world policy challenges, ensuring that evidence is effectively translated into actionable insights for government decision-makers. His leadership in this capacity has strengthened the center's reputation as a vital knowledge broker between academia and government.

• Mobile Communications
• Radio Frequency Radiation Safety
• Biometric Radio Systems
• +3 more

Dr Robert Edwards is a Reader in Mobile Communications and Director of the 5G Research Centre at Loughborough University. Formerly Director of Sheffield's Centre for Mobile Communications Research, he holds Senior Member status in IEEE and is a Chartered Engineer with the IET. His research focuses on biometric radio systems, mobile communications advancements, and the health implications of radio frequency radiation exposure. Education : BEng (Hons) in Electronic Engineering (Communications), University of Sheffield PhD in Communications & Radar Engineering from Sheffield University Research Interests : Developing biometric authentication through radio channel characteristics Antenna design for on-body and industrial applications IoT-based flood monitoring systems in developing regions RF safety assessment and mitigation strategies Key Activities : External Examiner for multiple institutions including American College of Thessaloniki and Arab Open University Member of Wireless World Research Forum's Communications Division Subject advisor for British University in Egypt (Communications Electronics) Labs/Teams : Leads the Loughborough 5G Research Centre and collaborates with the Antenna Team (as noted in his 2013 publications).

• Environmental Science
• Historical Geography
• Maritime History
• +4 more

Patrick Armstrong is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Geography within the School of Social Sciences at The University of Western Australia. His research focuses on historical geography, maritime history, and the intersection of natural history with colonial exploration. He has authored over 84 publications, including books, journal articles, and encyclopedia entries. Armstrong’s work prominently features analyses of Charles Darwin’s expeditions, Victorian-era naturalists, and regional biographies. His studies often integrate ecological and historical perspectives to examine topics like oceanic voyages, biogeographical patterns, and colonial scientific practices. Notable contributions include re-evaluations of Darwin’s South Pacific traverse and investigations into the lives of 19th-century figures such as Benjamin Armstrong and William Kirby. His research frequently intersects with environmental science, anthropology, and regional history, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to understanding historical environmental interactions and scientific exploration.

Mahala Dyer StewartView profile

Assistant Professor

• Gender, Race, and Class Inequalities
• Family
• Education
• +2 more

Mahala Dyer Stewart serves as Assistant Professor of Sociology at Hamilton College, appointed to the faculty in 2019. Her work critically examines intersections of social stratification within educational and familial contexts through a sociological lens. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst M.A. in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst B.A. in Sociology from the University of Maine, Orono Stewart's research program centers on gender, race, and class inequalities, employing qualitative methodologies and feminist theoretical frameworks. She investigates how structural advantages and disadvantages manifest in intimate life domains, with current projects comparing schooling decisions among Black and white class-advantaged families, analyzing residential choices in interracial couples, and exploring voluntary childfree identities. Her teaching portfolio includes Sociology of the Family, Gender, Sexuality & Society, Social Problems, and Data Collection & Analysis. Analysis of her 2021-2024 publications reveals a concentrated exploration of racialized educational decision-making, particularly in homeschooling contexts. Her work demonstrates how Black mothers navigate systemic racism in school environments while white mothers confront diversity limitations in their choices, exposing schooling as a racialized organizational process. This scholarship extends her longstanding investigation into non-normative life paths, including voluntary childfree identities.