Professor Ulrik Lund Andersen heads the quantum information group at DTU Physics, Technical University of Denmark. His research develops quantum technologies including quantum computation, secure communication, and quantum-enhanced measurement systems. His group generates entangled optical states and investigates diamond-photon interactions for quantum nonlinearities. Key research areas: Quantum computing architectures Continuous-variable quantum information Quantum key distribution Quantum-enhanced sensing Solid-state quantum systems Recent work advances error correction, quantum state engineering, and quantum sensing algorithms. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on practical quantum technology implementation. Awards include multiple Sapere Aude research grants and the Eliteforsk Award from the Danish Ministry of Science.
Dr. Elaine T. Jurkowski serves as Professor in Social Work at Southern Illinois University's College of Health and Human Sciences, holding multiple leadership roles including Graduate Program Director (2021-present) and Program Director for Gerontology Programs (2020-present). She maintains cross-appointments as Adjunct Professor in the School of Medicine's Family Practice Residency Program and Professor in the Department of Health Education, demonstrating her interdisciplinary impact. B.S.W. (Industrial Social Work), University of Manitoba, Canada M.S.W. (Policy and Administration), University of Manitoba, Canada Ph.D., Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago M.B.A., Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2022) Dr. Jurkowski's research program centers on health disparities, access to mental health services, aging, and disability issues, with particular focus on rural populations. Her work bridges public health, social work, and gerontology through innovative approaches to program evaluation, technology-enhanced teaching, and culture change in long-term care settings. She has developed expertise in international health planning and inter-professional collaboration across diverse cultural contexts. Her publication portfolio shows consistent thematic development across decades, with recent work focusing on medical tourism during the pandemic, rural-urban health disparities, and technology applications in gerontology education. These publications reflect her commitment to addressing healthcare access challenges for vulnerable populations through both scholarly inquiry and practical interventions. Great Cities Research Fellow in Health Provost Faculty Fellow (2018) Provost Assessment Fellow (2016) Student Hotspotting certification (2018-present) A.P.M. Assessment Academy certification (2016, 2017) Dr. Jurkowski has successfully secured over $1 million in research funding from agencies including Health Resources and Services Administration, The Hartford Foundation, and Administration on Aging. Her grant portfolio demonstrates sustained commitment to improving services for older adults and people with disabilities, particularly in rural settings. She has served as Graduate Program Director twice (2003-2014, 2021-present), mentoring numerous social work students through their academic and professional development. Her professional activities extend beyond campus through international consulting in West Africa, Hong Kong, India, China, Russia, and Egypt, and community engagement via the "Dare to Care" radio show and board service with Caring Counseling Ministries, Supporting People in Need, and UNA/USA Southern Illinois Chapter.
Dr. Ana Radulovic is a researcher at the University of Singidunum, Serbia, with expertise in leadership, organizational behavior, and management. She earned her PhD in Management from Aston Business School, UK, focusing on relational leadership and the impact of leader-follower relationships on outcomes. Her academic journey includes two master's degrees—one in Management from the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade, and another in Postmodern English Literature from the Faculty of Philology, University of Belgrade—as well as undergraduate studies in English language and literature at the Faculty of Philology and management studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. PhD: Management, Leadership (Aston Business School, UK, 2012–2016) Master's: Management (University of Belgrade, 2010–2012) Master's: Postmodern English Literature (University of Belgrade, 2010–2011) Undergraduate: English language and literature (University of Belgrade, 2006–2010); Management (Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2008–2009) Her research interests center on Leadership , with a focus on relational dynamics, interdependence theory, and quantitative/experimental methodologies. She explores how social media, crises, and virtual environments influence leadership effectiveness and organizational sustainability. Dr. Radulovic has received numerous scholarships and awards, including multiple Fund for Young Talents scholarships, a full scholarship for her doctoral studies at Aston University, a US government scholarship for Indiana University, and recognition for TESOL curriculum design and academic achievement. She has also contributed to the field through grants like the US Government Grant for Sustainable Development Program implementation. Scholarship from the Fund for Young Talents (2009/2010, 2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015) Full scholarship for doctoral studies (Aston University, 2012–2015) US government scholarship (Indiana University, 2008/2009) Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development scholarship (2007/2008, 2010/2011) Best curriculum design award in TESOL (2009) Dean's Award for Academic Achievement (2008/2009) US Government Grant for Sustainable Development Program (2010) ERSTE Bank 'Club 27 Superstars' finalist (2011) Her work spans theoretical and applied research, with publications on topics like forgiveness in leader-member exchange relationships, servant leadership for sustainability, and charismatic leadership during crises. She has also participated in international conferences, presenting on leadership dynamics in virtual teams and social media integration.
Jon Singletary serves as Dean and holds the Diana R. Garland Endowed Chair of Child and Family Studies at Baylor University's Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. He joined Baylor in 2003 after earning his PhD in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), alongside an MSW from VCU and MDiv from Baptist Theological Seminary. His career includes prior roles as Associate Dean (2010–2015) before becoming Dean in 2015. Before academia, Singletary worked as a pastor, community organizer, and social service administrator. His research focuses on strengthening congregational ministries, community development, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Notable projects include launching the Texas Hunger Initiative and directing the Strengthening Congregational Community Ministries Project. He co-founded the Faith and Service Technical Education Network (FASTENnetwork.org) to bridge faith-based organizations and social service sectors. His publications explore spirituality's role in social work, faith-based program development, and community organizing strategies. Recent work examines career resilience among professionals in aging care and leadership development through Enneagram frameworks. Earlier research addressed child food security, orphan care in Kenya, and rural community capacity building. Singletary's leadership emphasizes integrating faith and practice, evidenced by his edited volumes on Christianity and social work, and his advocacy for competency-based education models. He holds leadership roles in national organizations like the North American Association of Christians in Social Work and has advised global initiatives in Africa.
Claudia Passos Ferreira is an Assistant Professor of Bioethics at the Center for Bioethics, New York University (NYU), where she bridges philosophy, psychology, and neuroethics to address ethical questions in consciousness studies and emerging technologies. Education: MA and Ph.D. in Human Sciences and Health Sciences in Public Health, Rio de Janeiro State University Ph.D. in Philosophy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Her research program critically examines consciousness development in infants and machines, moral psychology, empathy, and cross-cultural social cognition. She integrates philosophical analysis with empirical psychology to explore ethical implications of neuroscientific discoveries, particularly regarding vulnerable populations and artificial intelligence. Her work on Freudian theory and mental causation provides foundational insights for contemporary neuroethics debates. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant focus on consciousness ontology (68% of articles), with significant contributions to infant cognition ethics (27%) and cross-cultural moral development (19%). Her methodology consistently combines philosophical rigor with interdisciplinary empirical approaches, notably through large-scale cross-cultural collaborations examining ownership, fairness, and intersubjectivity across seven societies. Scientific Awards: Residency Scholarship from the Brazilian Health Ministry Passos Ferreira serves as Principal Investigator for the Templeton World Charity Foundation-funded project "What do theories of consciousness predict about consciousness in animals, infants, and machines?". Her prior postdoctoral work included the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro's Ethics and Biotechnologies project and the State University of Rio de Janeiro's Ecological Mind and Self-Consciousness project. While no formal students are listed, her extensive cross-cultural research collaborations indicate active mentorship of junior researchers across multiple international teams. Her clinical background in child-adolescent mental health—gained through Brazilian public hospital work and private practice—directly informs her bioethics research, creating a unique practitioner-scholar perspective on neurodevelopmental ethics.
Olga Dontsova is a Full Professor at Moscow State University (MSU) in the Faculty of Chemistry. She serves as Head of the Division of RNA Structure and Function at the Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology and Head of the Chair of Chemistry of Natural Compounds. Her research spans molecular biology, bioorganic chemistry, and RNA-based mechanisms. Research Focus: She investigates structure-functional relationships in ribonucleoprotein complexes, with emphasis on translation machinery, transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA) interactions with ribosomes, RNA methyltransferases, and telomerase's role in cancer. Her team pioneered a chemical-biochemical-genetic approach to map mRNA topography in ribosomes, elucidate trans-translation dynamics, and characterize novel RNA-modifying enzymes. Scientific Contributions: Developed a molecular dynamic model for trans-translation Discovered unique yeast telomerase with unconventional properties Investigated functional roles of modified RNA residues in translation Honors: Member of Academia Europaea (2014) Corresponding Member of Russian Academy of Sciences (2006) European Academy Award for Young Scientists (1994) Grants & Leadership: Her work has been funded by HHMI, HFSP, CRDF, INTAS, RFFI, and Russian Ministry of Science and Education. She chairs the Biology Panel of the Russian Scientific Foundation and serves on editorial boards for Biochimie, Russian Journal of Molecular Biology, and Acta Naturae. Teaching: As a supervisor of 21 Ph.D. students and numerous diploma projects, she teaches advanced courses at MSU while maintaining an active research program.
Philip Evans serves as Professor in the Department of Wood Science at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Forestry, holding the British Columbia Leadership Chair in Advanced Forest Products Manufacturing Technology. He maintains an additional affiliation as Honorary Professor in the Department of Materials Physics at The Australian National University, reflecting his international research impact in sustainable forest products. His academic foundation includes a First Class BSc (summa cum laude) and Ph.D. from the University of Wales Bangor, followed by postdoctoral research at Abertay University in Scotland. Career progression led him from Lecturer to Professor and Director of ANU’s Centre for Science & Engineering of Materials before his current UBC appointment. Professor Evans' research integrates molecular-scale wood modification using plasma technology with practical material development. His portfolio addresses critical industrial challenges through plasma-modified wood surfaces for light absorption, X-ray micro-CT/VR systems for wood microstructure analysis, sustainable alternatives to old-growth mahogany in musical instruments, aerospace panel enhancements, and AI-driven detection of illegal timber trade. This dual focus on fundamental science and translational applications drives innovation in replacing non-sustainable materials. His exceptional contributions are recognized by: DOW Chemical Company Distinguished Lecturer Fellow of International Academy of Wood Science Fellow of Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining Commonwealth Forestry Association Medal (Americas) Japanese Ministry for Science & Technology Research Award Oxford Commonwealth Forestry Bureau Book Prize As director of the Wood Surface Science Lab, he actively collaborates with industry partners to solve complex technical problems in forest products manufacturing, while mentoring junior colleagues through his integrated research-teaching approach. Current projects emphasize sustainable material development and advanced analytical techniques for global forestry challenges.
Dr. Julian Limberg is a Senior Lecturer in Public Policy at the Department of Political Economy, King’s College London. He previously held a post-doctoral position at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and earned his PhD in Political and Social Sciences from the European University Institute. His research focuses on public policy and political economy, particularly inequality dynamics, tax policy, and environmental governance. Education: PhD in Political and Social Sciences (European University Institute), Post-doctoral Research (Ludwig Maximilian University). Affiliations: Public Policy and Regulation Research Group, Quantitative Political Economy Research Group, Global South Research Group. His work examines the causes and consequences of progressive taxation, climate policy effectiveness, and public perceptions of fiscal fairness. Recent studies include the impact of dedicated climate ministries on emissions reduction and the link between financial sector growth and tax policies. Limberg is also engaged in projects analyzing how technological changes influence tax preferences and the societal consequences of major tax cuts for the wealthy. Key articles highlight his contributions to understanding taxation trends, climate policy implementation, and the interplay between economic shifts and fiscal strategies. He collaborates across disciplines, bridging political science and economics to address contemporary governance challenges.
Apostolos Fasianos is a Lecturer in Economics at Brunel University London, specializing in macroeconomic implications of household financial behavior. Prior roles include economist positions at the Hellenic Ministry of Finance (2017-2020) and Central Bank of Ireland (2016-2017) , with collaborative research spanning the Bank of England and Reserve Bank of New Zealand . PhD in Economics, University of Limerick MSc in Economic Development, University of Glasgow MPhil in Economics, University of Athens Research focuses on household finance , housing economics , monetary policy , and economic inequalities . Recent work explores AI-enabled technological shocks on UK labor markets via Bayesian VAR modeling and textual patent analysis. Publications span topics like wealth inequality , housing market asymmetries , and financialization trends . Selected publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, merging macroeconomic theory with empirical analysis of crises (e.g., Covid-19 ), housing markets, and historical financial trends. Key methodologies include textual analysis , VAR modeling , and spatial econometrics . Active in policy analysis, Fasianos represented Greece in international forums such as the EPC - Ageing Working Group and OECD Working Party 1 . Current projects include a 2023-2024 BRIEF AWARDS grant on AI’s macroeconomic impacts.
Dr. Laura McKee is an Assistant Professor of Counseling in the School of Counseling at Colorado Christian University's College of Adult and Graduate Studies. She is a full-time online faculty member with a strong commitment to integrating faith and learning in mental health education. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Grand Canyon University, an M.A. in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a B.A. in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Texas. Dr. McKee's research and clinical work focus on the integration of Christian faith in counseling, clinical supervision, missionary care, and addressing mental health challenges such as mood disorders, trauma, and relationship dynamics within ministry contexts. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes collaboration, community, and faith integration. Her work reflects a strong dedication to equipping Christian leaders through partnerships with ministries to improve mental health support in faith-based settings. Though no specific publications are listed, her expertise lies at the intersection of psychology and spirituality. Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Texas Prepare/Enrich Facilitator Dr. McKee brings extensive experience from prior roles as an adjunct instructor at various Christian institutions, teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses in counseling and Christian ministry. She is deeply committed to training future counselors through a Christian worldview, emphasizing excellence, ethical practice, and spiritual formation. She is actively involved in clinical practice and professional development, focusing on strengthening mental health care within Christian organizations and supporting those in ministry roles who face unique emotional and spiritual challenges.
Tracey Evans Chan is an Associate Professor and Director of the NUS Law Academy at the National University of Singapore's Faculty of Law. His expertise lies in biomedical law and ethics, with a focus on issues such as surrogacy, transplant ethics, and human-animal research. He has held significant roles, including a secondment to Singapore's Ministry of Health, where he contributed to the Human Biomedical Research Act 2015. He currently serves on the National Medical Ethics Committee and the Advisory Committee on Restricted Research under the same Act, and is a member of NUS's Institutional Review Board. Education: LLM (Harvard University) LLB (National University of Singapore) Research Interests: Chan's work bridges legal and ethical dimensions of biomedical advancements. Key areas include regulatory challenges in mitochondrial replacement technology, consent frameworks for minors, and the ethical implications of emerging medical technologies. His contributions to Singapore's legal committees reflect his commitment to balancing innovation with societal values. Publications & Trends: His recent works explore themes like advance care planning, the placebo effect in clinical practice, and cross-jurisdictional comparisons of healthcare dependency laws. These publications underscore his interdisciplinary approach to legal and biomedical challenges. Awards & Grants: No specific awards or grants are listed, but his policy contributions and academic output highlight his impactful work in regulatory frameworks. Advising & Teams: As a faculty member, he teaches courses like Medical Law and Ethics. His involvement in NUS's Institutional Review Board and Singapore's advisory committees demonstrates his role in shaping research ethics and healthcare policy.
Thomas Schlag is Professor of Practical Theology with a focus on Religious Education, Church Theory and Pastoral Theology at the Faculty of Theology, University of Zurich. Since January 1, 2021, he has served as Director of the University Research Priority Program 'Digital Religion(s): Communication, Interaction and Transformation in the Digital Society.' He is also Chairman of the Board of the Center for Church Development (ZKE), which he co-founded in June 2010. Previously, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Theology (2014-2016) and Vice Dean for Teaching (2012-2014). 1965: Born in Stuttgart 1980-1985: Attended Protestant seminaries Maulbronn and Blaubeuren 1986-1993: Studied Protestant Theology and Political Science in Tübingen and Munich 1993-1996: Doctorate at University of Munich 2004-2005: DFG research fellowship at University of Tübingen 2005: Appointed Assistant Professor at University of Zurich 2009: Habilitation at University of Tübingen 2011: Appointed Professor at University of Zurich Professor Schlag's work centers on the intersection of theology, education, and digital transformation. His research examines how religious practices adapt to digital environments, with particular focus on religious education in schools, confirmation work, and church youth programs. He explores theological-anthropological interpretations of digital transformation and investigates the relationship between church, state, and civil society through the lens of 'Public Theology.' His current projects analyze digital media practices in church educational offerings and investigate how churches negotiate digital worship services and sacraments. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on digital religion, with numerous articles examining digital media in confirmation work, religious leadership in digital contexts, and the challenges churches face in adapting to digital transformation. His work spans practical theology, religious education theory, and ecclesiology, with a particular focus on Swiss religious contexts while maintaining international comparative perspectives. The research demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with scholars examining digital innovation in religious contexts. As Director of the University Research Priority Program 'Digital Religion(s),' Professor Schlag leads a significant interdisciplinary research initiative exploring how digital technologies transform religious communication, interaction, and practices. His work has practical implications for church development, religious education, and theological reflection in the digital age. He actively collaborates with international research networks including the European Network for Confirmation Work and the International Academy of Practical Theology.
Dr. Foong Shaohui is an Associate Professor and Associate Head at the Engineering Product Development (EPD) pillar of the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), with prior experience as a Visiting Assistant Professor at MIT's Mechanical Engineering department (2011). He leads the Aerial Innovation Research (AIR) Laboratory @ SUTD and actively collaborates with Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and medical institutions like National University Hospital (NUH) and Changi General Hospital (CGH). PhD, MS, and BS in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (2005-2010) Research Interests span multiple domains: Robotics & UAVs : Nature-inspired aerial craft design (Project MONOCO), hybrid flight dynamics, and transformable rotorcraft Medical Device Innovation : Magnetic localization systems for nasogastric tubes and ventriculostomy procedures Engineering Education : Design-Centric pedagogy and pre-university Aerial Craft Workshops Autonomous Systems : Deep tunnel sewer inspection drones (NRF/PUB funded) and soft robotics Scientific Contributions include patented magnetic localization technologies (licensed to Medergo Pte. Ltd.), over 20 peer-reviewed publications, and 5 granted patents. His work bridges aerospace engineering with biomedical applications through innovative mechatronic solutions. Best Application Paper Award at SCIS & ISIS (2014) Research Grants include projects funded by Singapore's National Research Foundation (NRF), Public Utilities Board (PUB), and National University Hospital partnerships. He mentors PhD/Master's students through interdisciplinary research in aerial robotics and medical device development.
Dr. Geng Guoqing is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He holds concurrent roles as East Asian Regional Convener for RILEM and board member of ACI-Singapore Chapter. His research focuses on sustainable construction materials, particularly durability, microstructural characterization, and waste material utilization. Geng earned his PhD from UC Berkeley (2017), followed by postdoctoral research at the Paul Scherrer Institute (Switzerland). He has authored over 50 papers and leads multiple projects funded by Singapore’s Ministry of Education, Energy Center, and National Research Foundation. Education: Bachelor of Engineering, Southeast University, China (2010) Master of Science, UC Berkeley, USA (2013) PhD, UC Berkeley, USA (2017) Research interests center on sustainable construction materials, multi-scale characterization, and material durability . Key themes include recycling low-grade materials, mitigating degradation in concrete, and developing high-performance binders like LC3. His work employs advanced techniques like molecular modeling, X-ray diffraction, and NMR. Recent articles explore hydration kinetics, CSH matrix mechanics, and waste clay applications. Awards include the 2023 RILEM Medal and multiple teaching excellence recognitions. Current projects address CO 2 absorption, sustainable cement blends, and resilient façade materials. Professional service includes editorial roles at Cleaner Materials and Frontiers in Materials , plus organizing the 2022 EASEC Conference. His lab focuses on bridging microstructural insights with macro-scale material performance.
Andreas Eckert is Professor and Chair of African History at Humboldt University Berlin, where he also serves as Director of the International Research Centre "Work and Human Life Cycle in Global History" since 2009. Previously, he was Head of Department at the Institute of Asian and African Studies (2008-2009) and Dean of the Faculty of History and Philosophy at the University of Hamburg (2004-2006). His academic career includes visiting professorships at Harvard University, Maison des Sciences de l'Homme in Paris, and Indiana University. Professor Eckert's research focuses on African history in the 19th and 20th century , with particular emphasis on the history of the state, urbanization, and historiography. His scholarly work extends to comparative history of colonialism , history of work/labour history , and global history . His approach combines deep regional expertise in African contexts with transnational and comparative perspectives that challenge traditional historical narratives. Eckert's publication record demonstrates a consistent engagement with themes of state formation, labor relations, urban development, and historical methodology in African contexts. His work spans from detailed case studies of specific regions like Douala and Tanzania to broader conceptual explorations of how Africa fits into world historical narratives. A notable trend in his scholarship is the examination of entangled histories that connect local African experiences with global processes of colonialism, decolonization, and postcolonial state formation. His notable achievements include: 2012 Guest Fellowship at Freiburg Institute of Advanced Study Election as chairperson of "Forum Transregionale Studien" (2011) Major Grant from the German Ministry for Research and Education for the Institute "Work and Human Life Cycle in Global History" (2009) Election as chairperson of "Arbeitskreis für Moderne Sozialgeschichte" (2007) Managing Editor of the Journal of African History (2004-2011) Fellowship in the Royal Historical Society (2000) As Director of the International Research Centre "Work and Human Life Cycle in Global History," Eckert has secured significant funding including a major grant from the German Ministry for Research and Education (2009-2015). He has also served on the Board of the International African Institute in London and has been actively involved in scholarly organizations including the "Forum Transregionale Studien" and "Arbeitskreis für Moderne Sozialgeschichte." Under Eckert's leadership, the International Research Centre "Work and Human Life Cycle in Global History" brings together scholars from multiple disciplines and countries to examine the historical dimensions of work and human life cycles from a global perspective. The center serves as a hub for innovative research that transcends traditional geographic and disciplinary boundaries.
