Find Academic Supervisors

Ryan W. Buell is the C. D. Spangler Professor of Business Administration in the Technology and Operations Management Unit at Harvard Business School, where he teaches Managing Service Operations in the MBA curriculum and chairs the Transforming Customer Experiences Executive Education program. His educational background includes: DBA in Technology and Operations Management from Harvard Business School (Dean's Award, Wyss Doctoral Research Award) MBA with high distinction from Harvard Business School (George F. Baker Scholar) BBA with high distinction from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business (Phi Beta Kappa) Professor Buell's research investigates service business-customer interactions through three interconnected lenses: operational transparency (designing visibility into service processes), customer compatibility (aligning customer expectations with service capabilities), and transforming customer engagement (optimizing human-technology service interfaces). His work demonstrates how transparency enhances perceived value, reduces anxiety, and improves operational outcomes across healthcare, government, and commercial sectors. His publication portfolio shows consistent focus on behavioral operations, with recent work examining workforce diversity disclosures, shared medical appointments, and anxiety mitigation in service encounters. Key trends reveal growing application of transparency principles to complex service ecosystems and human-technology collaboration challenges. His awards include: Wickham Skinner Early Career Research Accomplishments Award (2019) Wyss Award for Excellence in Mentoring Doctoral Students (2024) Faculty Teaching Award from the Class of 2024 Charles M. Williams Award for Executive Education (2016) Stan Hardy Award for Outstanding Paper (2011) As a dedicated mentor, Professor Buell received the Wyss Award for doctoral mentoring in 2024. His research has attracted significant grant support through Harvard's Behavioral Insights Group affiliation, though specific funding details aren't public. He maintains strong industry connections through executive education programs and case development for major corporations. Professor Buell is actively affiliated with Harvard's Behavioral Insights Group at the Kennedy School, applying behavioral science to public sector challenges and conducting field experiments that bridge academic research and real-world implementation.

• Service Operations
• Customer Behavior
• Operational Transparency
• +4 more

Professor Radhakrishna Prabhu is a distinguished academic at Robert Gordon University's School of Computing, Engineering & Technology, where he leads the Instrumentation & Sensors Research Group and is affiliated with the Robotics & Autonomous Systems Research Group. With over 20 years of applied research experience, his work spans optical technologies, environmental sensing, and clean energy systems. His research expertise encompasses Optical Materials & Waveguides , Optical Imaging , Optical Security , Subsea Sensing , Optoelectronics , Microscopy , Spectroscopy , Lasers , Fluorescence Instrumentation , Lab-on-a-chips , and Renewable Energy Systems . Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a strong focus on underwater optical communication systems, microplastic environmental impact studies, and building-integrated photovoltaic technologies. Professor Prabhu's scientific contributions are recognized through his professional affiliations: Fellow of Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Chartered Engineer (EC-IET) Member of Institute of Physics (IOP) Member of The Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) Member of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) He currently supervises multiple PhD students across diverse projects including underwater wireless networks, microplastic soil studies, and building-integrated photovoltaics. His active research portfolio includes the 'Portable Luminescent Chemical Compass' project (2025-2027) and 'Reusing Subsea Natural Gas Pipeline Infrastructure for Bulk Hydrogen Transportation' (2022-2023), demonstrating his commitment to addressing contemporary environmental and technological challenges through innovative research. The Instrumentation & Sensors Research Group under his leadership develops cutting-edge sensing technologies with applications ranging from environmental monitoring to security systems, contributing significantly to Robert Gordon University's research themes in Environment, Energy & Sustainability.

• Optical Materials and Waveguides
• Optical Imaging
• Optical Security
• +6 more

Dr. Christopher M. Marra serves as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Activities at Seton Hill University, where he conducts the Westmoreland Symphonic Winds and teaches music education, conducting, and brass courses. Prior to his university position, he spent 10 years as a high school band and orchestra director in San Jose, California, holding leadership roles with the CMEA Bay Section and California Band Directors Association. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Music Education with emphasis in wind band conducting from the University of Michigan (2019) M.M. in Music Education with emphasis in wind band conducting from Northwestern University (2010) B.S. in Music Education from Duquesne University (2005) Dr. Marra's research investigates critical intersections between social dynamics and music learning environments. His work on social influence examines how ensemble identity shapes student engagement, while his teacher retention studies identify systemic supports for music educators. His undergraduate preparation research develops practical frameworks for transitioning student teachers into effective practitioners, often addressing attrition challenges in high school programs through innovative marketing approaches. His 13 publications (2016-2022) reveal consistent focus on practitioner-relevant scholarship, with 60% appearing in top-tier journals like the Journal of Research in Music Education. The work demonstrates evolving sophistication from foundational topics like conducting pedagogy toward complex sociological examinations of music education ecosystems, consistently bridging theory and practice through Oxford University Press book chapters and practitioner-focused resources. As an educator, Dr. Marra mentors undergraduate music education students through field placements and research projects, emphasizing real-world application. His research program operates through university-supported professional development funds rather than major external grants, enabling responsive scholarship that addresses immediate field needs. He maintains active collaborations with researchers at Michigan, Northwestern, and other institutions. Dr. Marra directs Seton Hill's instrumental program with emphasis on intentional community building. His 'Culture by Design' philosophy shapes the Westmoreland Symphonic Winds through structured identity development practices that connect social cohesion to musical excellence, as evidenced in his practitioner presentations at national conferences.

• Music Education
• social influence in music education
• music teacher retention
• +1 more

Guillermo Atares is a Part-time Professor in the Academic Area of Management and Control Systems at IAE Business School, a position held since 2000. He concurrently serves as Business Solutions Manager at Abertis Mobility Services in Barcelona, Spain, leveraging over 30 years of infrastructure sector expertise. His academic affiliations include teaching roles at IESE Business School in Spain and extensive course development for IAE's Executive MBA and corporate programs. Education: Master in Business Administration, IAE Business School Civil Engineer, University of Buenos Aires His research and professional focus spans: Management Control Systems : Design and implementation of performance measurement frameworks Public-Private Partnerships : Market analysis and project consulting for infrastructure development Operational Strategy : Optimization techniques for construction and service industries He has developed specialized teaching materials on cost analysis and organizational control mechanisms. Recent publications (2020-2024) explore emerging business dynamics including AI adoption, sustainable corporate strategies, workplace evolution, and economic recovery patterns. His articles demonstrate consistent focus on practical applications of management theory in volatile environments. Professional milestones include: Leadership of major cross-border infrastructure projects Consulting for multinationals in finance, energy, and agriculture Operational roles in transportation concessions (e.g., Mercovía SA's Argentina-Brazil bridge)

• Management Control Systems
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
• Infrastructure Project Management
• +2 more