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Leigha McReynoldsView profile

Lecturer

• Science Fiction Studies
• Victorian Literature
• Disability Studies
• +3 more

Leigha McReynolds is a Lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Maryland, affiliated with both the University Honors program and the Professional Writing Program. She holds a Ph.D. in English from The George Washington University. Her research focuses on science fiction studies, disability representation, and Victorian literature, with a particular interest in interdisciplinary teaching methods like ungrading and integrating science fiction into humanities education. Her scholarly work includes contributions to landmark edited collections such as Disability in Science Fiction and Discovering Dune . She actively participates in academic discourse as a panelist at the World Science Fiction Convention. McReynolds has been recognized for her teaching excellence through awards including the 2023 Impact and Innovation Award and the 2024 UH Mission Award, reflecting her commitment to the University Honors community. Research Interests: Disability studies in science fiction, Victorian Gothic literature, educational pedagogy, narrative theory, and interdisciplinary humanities. Teaching Innovations: Advocacy for ungrading practices and the use of speculative fiction to engage students across disciplines. McReynolds’ publications span from analyses of Victorian novels to modern film adaptations, consistently exploring themes of embodiment, technology, and marginality. Her work bridges literary analysis with contemporary social discourse, offering fresh perspectives on canonical and speculative texts alike.

Duraid Ismail JaliliView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Environmental Security
• Security Sector Reform
• Defence Education
• +3 more

Dr. Duraid Jalili is a Senior Lecturer in Environment and Security Education at King's College London's Defence Studies Department since 2017. His work bridges security sector reform with environmental sustainability, focusing on strategic defense education reform and cross-cultural communication. PhD in Defence and Security Studies from King's College London (2020) Convenor: Security & Defence Policy module for British Army's Intermediate Command and Staff Course Co-Director: Environmental Security Research Group (ESRG) Active contributor to NATO, EU Parliament, and UK Ministry of Defence policy development His research examines: Security sector responses to environmental insecurity Defense education reform for cross-cultural effectiveness Military sustainability initiatives Climate change's impact on strategic leadership Behavioral change in defense organizations Soft power through defense education Recent publications focus on military emissions mitigation, defense climate adaptation, and Arctic security challenges. He contributes to policy through evidence submissions to UK parliamentary committees and NATO initiatives. As founder of the Environmental Security Research Group, Dr. Jalili leads multidisciplinary initiatives integrating climate considerations into defense frameworks. He teaches on UK Defence Academy officer courses and KCL's online programs, developing specialized modules in environmental security.

• Public Health
• Urban Health Disparities
• Community-Based Healthcare Interventions
• +4 more

Lillie Hudson, MSPA, PA-C, MPH, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Southern California. She holds degrees from UCSB (BA African-American Studies), Western University (MSPA), and Charles R. Drew University (MPH in urban health disparities). Her work focuses on bridging clinical practice and public health, particularly addressing health inequities in Los Angeles through community-based interventions and stroke prevention programs. She has participated in international medical missions in Ghana and the Dominican Republic, emphasizing global health service. Education: B.A. African-American Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara M.S. Physician Assistant Studies, Western University of Health Sciences M.P.H., Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Research interests include urban health disparities, neurodiversity in medical education, and inclusive healthcare workforce development. Her publications highlight innovative approaches to chronic disease management and systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities in healthcare. She actively mentors students and advocates for diversity in medical training programs. Publications emphasize translational research bridging clinical practice and population health, with a focus on stroke prevention in underserved populations and educational reforms promoting cognitive diversity. Her work demonstrates commitment to both local and global health equity through evidence-based interventions. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in stroke prevention research and community health initiatives. Engages in clinical trials like the SUCCEED project and coordinates urban health disparity interventions.

Lori Poloni-StaudingerView profile

Professor

• Gender and Politics
• Terrorism and Political Violence
• Women's Political Participation
• +3 more

Lori Poloni-Staudinger serves as Dean of the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, with extensive scholarly contributions at the intersection of gender, politics, and political violence. Her leadership role positions her at the nexus of academic administration and cutting-edge research. Her research program demonstrates three interconnected pillars: Gender and Political Violence : Pioneering work on women's multifaceted roles in terrorism contexts, analyzing victims, perpetrators, and policymakers through intersectional frameworks Fashion-Politics Nexus : Groundbreaking 2024 Palgrave Handbook establishing fashion as critical political discourse through symbolism, credibility construction, and identity performance Contemporary Movement Impacts : Rigorous analysis of #MeToo's effects on political engagement and ambition, bridging social movements with institutional change Recent publications reveal a strategic evolution from traditional terrorism studies (2012-2018) toward cultural-political intersections, with 2022-2024 works establishing fashion as a legitimate political science subfield. This trajectory demonstrates methodological sophistication across qualitative, comparative, and intersectional approaches. Her academic leadership extends to innovative pedagogy, advocating for political science's civic mission through intersectional engaged learning as articulated in her 2020 TLC keynote. Administrative expertise is evidenced in practical negotiation guidance for academic job seekers, addressing systemic gender barriers in faculty advancement.

• Educational Technology
• STEM Education
• Teacher Development
• +2 more

Brittany Miller is a Research Fellow at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, part of North Carolina State University. Her role focuses on advancing educational research and innovation within the fields of STEM education and teacher development. She is affiliated with the Friday Institute, a leading center for exploring technology-enhanced learning solutions and educational policy. Brittany’s work emphasizes collaborative projects addressing contemporary challenges in K-12 and higher education systems, particularly leveraging interdisciplinary approaches. Her research interests intersect social sciences with practical applications in educational equity and curriculum design. While no specific awards or grants are documented here, her contributions align with the Institute’s mission to bridge research and practice in education. As part of the Friday Institute team, Brittany collaborates with educators, policymakers, and technologists to develop scalable solutions for improving teaching and learning outcomes. Her involvement in lab-based initiatives and community engagement programs underscores her commitment to actionable research impacting real-world educational environments.

Liudvika LeišytėView profile

Professor

• University Governance
• Digitalisation in Higher Education
• University Management
• +5 more

Liudvika Leišytė is a Professor of Higher Education and Deputy Director at the Center for Higher Education (zhb) at TU Dortmund University. Previously, she worked at the University of Twente (2003–2013) and maintains visiting researcher status there. She has held visiting professorships at SciencesPo (2022), Nagoya University (2018), and visiting scholar/fellow positions at Stanford, Harvard, Pennsylvania State University, Boston College, and the University of Michigan. PhD in Public Administration (University of Twente, Netherlands) Current roles: Professor, Deputy Director Previous roles: Senior Researcher, Team Coordinator (European University Association), Tutor Her research focuses on university governance , digitalization in higher education , academic profession , and comparative higher education systems . Recent work examines performance management in surveillance capitalism, interdisciplinary education in Germany, and gender dynamics in academic leadership. Her publications include five co-edited books and articles in journals like Higher Education , Science and Public Policy , and Triple Helix . She has received the Emerald Literati Award (2018) and the PRIME/Globelics Early Career Award (2008). Editorial Boards: Higher Education Policy , Triple Helix , The Learning Organization , Social Inclusion Advisory Roles: Lithuanian Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency , German Stiftung Innovation in der Hochschullehre , Hungarian Accreditation Committee Leišytė contributes to international higher education reform projects, serves on evaluation panels (e.g., Norway’s DIKU), and co-convenes Network 22 (Research in Higher Education) at the European Educational Research Association.

Justus NielandView profile

Professor

• Modernism Studies
• Film and Media History
• Design and Architectural History
• +5 more

Justus Nieland is a Professor of English and Film Studies and Chair of the Department of English at Michigan State University. His research bridges modernist studies, film/media history, and design theory, with a focus on midcentury intersections between aesthetics, corporate media, and infrastructural systems. He holds leadership roles in academic publishing, co-editing the Contemporary Film Directors series and special journal issues on midcentury design cultures. Research interests include modernist media’s role in shaping public emotion, corporate design’s Cold War mission, and petrochemical infrastructures’ cinematic representation. His book Happiness by Design (2020) repositions midcentury design as central to liberal democratic ideals, earning shortlisting for the Modernist Studies Association Prize. His work spans monographs, edited collections, and peer-reviewed articles analyzing figures like the Eameses, Alden Dow, and Moholy-Nagy. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on modernism’s material and visual cultures, media infrastructures, and affect theory. Media features include analyses of David Lynch’s design sensibilities and corporate film’s cultural impact. His academic service includes editorial leadership and conference organizing, such as co-editing the Post45 special issue on midcentury design. Honors include the 2021 Modernist Studies Association Book Prize shortlist. His work bridges literary, cinematic, and design studies, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to cultural history and media’s role in shaping modern life.

• Software Engineering
• Automated Reasoning
• Formal Methods
• +5 more

Sebastián Uchitel is a Professor at the Department of Computing, Imperial College London, specializing in Software Engineering. His research spans foundational modeling and analysis techniques for requirements, design, and code artifacts, with a focus on automated reasoning, partial behavior models, scenario-based specifications, verification of probabilistic systems, controller synthesis, machine learning for diagnosis, and adaptive systems. His work includes contributions to controller synthesis for discrete event systems, runtime verification, and automated adaptation in unpredictable environments. He has led major grants such as the Technology Platform in Software Engineering (ANPCYT, 2013–2016), Partial Behaviour Modelling (ERC, 2009–2014), and SENSORIA (FP6, 2005–2008). He has published extensively in venues like ICSE, FSE, CAV, and IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering. His collaborations include institutions across the UK, Argentina, Canada, and Japan. He has advised numerous PhD students and served on editorial boards and program committees of leading conferences. Scientific Awards: Houssay Prize, Argentina (2015) Konex Foundation Awards (2013) Software Engineering Foundation Award, Microsoft (2010) Argentine National Academy of Exact Sciences (2008) IBM Faculty Award (2006) Philip Leverhulme Prize (2005) Newly Appointed Lecturers Award, Nuffield (2004)

Ariya SangwongwanichView profile

Associate Professor

• Power Electronics
• Photovoltaic Systems
• Grid-Connected Converters
• +5 more

Ariya Sangwongwanich is an Associate Professor at the Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, within the Faculty of Engineering and Science. He leads the Sustainable Power Electronics and Electrification (SPELL) research program and has conducted visiting research at RWTH Aachen (2017) and the University of Cambridge (2023). Education: B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering, Chulalongkorn University (2013) M.Sc. in Energy Engineering, Aalborg University (2015) Ph.D., Aalborg University (2018) His research focuses on power electronics, grid-connected converters, photovoltaic systems, and reliability/sustainability in energy systems. Recent work emphasizes fault diagnosis, digital twin technology, and battery-PV system interactions. Notable scientific awards include the Danish Academy of Natural Sciences' Ph.D. Prize (2019), Spar Nord Foundation Research Award (2019), IEEE IPEMC-ECCE Asia Best Paper Award (2020), Best Presentation Awards at IEEE APEC (2016, 2021), and a DFF Sapere Aude Starting Grant (2024). Key projects include: GreenMag: Green High-Power Planar Magnetic Components (2025-2029, Innovation Fund Denmark) CirclePE: Circular Power Electronics for Green Transition (2025-2028, Independent Research Fund Denmark) OMRES: Operation & Digital Twin Solutions for Hybrid Renewable Energy (2025-2027, Horizon Europe) TEAMING: Predictive Maintenance for e-Powertrains (2024-2027, Horizon Europe) ALL2GaN: GaN IC Solutions for Greener Applications (2023-2026, Horizon Chips)

Rebekah DavisView profile

Researcher

• Educational Technology
• K-12 Education
• Computer Science Education
• +3 more

Rebekah Davis is a Research Scholar at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, part of North Carolina State University's College of Education. Her work focuses on educational technology integration, K-12 classroom dynamics, and innovative teaching methodologies. She contributes to program evaluation efforts within the institute, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to educational challenges. Her research interests span topics such as AI adoption in teacher education, computational thinking in elementary classrooms, and the ethical implications of digital monitoring tools in schools. She frequently presents at conferences like the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the National Institutes of Health's SciEd Annual Conference. Recent publications explore themes like pandemic-era educational technology adaptations, generative AI in curriculum design, and the role of 'presence' in immersive learning environments. While no specific awards are listed, her work demonstrates significant engagement with contemporary issues in educational technology and teacher preparation. Rebekah collaborates with educators nationwide through professional development initiatives and contributes to the Friday Institute's mission of bridging research, policy, and practice in education innovation.

Elizabeth BowenView profile

Associate Professor

• Addiction recovery and recovery capital
• Health disparities for people experiencing homelessness
• Health of permanent supportive housing residents
• +2 more

Elizabeth Bowen is an Associate Professor at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, where she has been since 2014. Her research focuses on housing as a social determinant of health, examining intersections between homelessness, addiction recovery, food insecurity, and HIV/AIDS. She employs mixed methods to explore pathways linking homelessness and health conditions, with particular attention to trauma-informed policy analysis. PhD in Social Work (University of Illinois at Chicago, 2014) Master’s in Clinical Social Work (University of Chicago, 2004) Bachelor’s in Nonfiction Writing and Psychology (University of Pittsburgh, 2002) Bowen's research spans five key areas: 1) Recovery capital measurement (including the Multidimensional Inventory of Recovery Capital [MIRC]), 2) Health disparities among homeless populations, 3) Trauma-informed social policy frameworks, 4) Housing First model evaluations, and 5) Interdisciplinary approaches to social change education. Her work integrates qualitative insights with quantitative rigor. Recent publications show trends in recovery capital analysis (2025-2024), health equity for homeless populations (2024), and trauma-informed policy development (2023-2024). Studies often connect structural determinants with individual resilience factors, reflecting her dual focus on macro-level systems and micro-level recovery processes. 2022 Society for Social Work and Research Fellow Bowen teaches substance use disorders, social policy, and evidence-based practice courses in MSW and DSW programs. She mentors PhD students and collaborates with local organizations including Homeless Alliance of Western New York, Compass House, and Buffalo City Mission. As UB's liaison to the National Homelessness Social Work Initiative, she co-leads the New York-New Jersey regional network.

Chaoying PeiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Non-convex optimization
• Quadratically Constrained Quadratic Programs (QCQPs)
• Optimal control
• +3 more

Dr. Chaoying Pei is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Her work focuses on optimization, control systems, and machine learning applications in aerospace engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University, along with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Inertial Technology and Navigation from Beihang University. She also brings industry experience in autonomous driving technology. Her research interests include non-convex optimization, quadratically constrained quadratic programs (QCQPs), optimal control for space exploration, machine learning integration, and distributed computing. Notable projects involve real-time fuel-optimal guidance systems, reinforcement learning for optimization engines, and trajectory design for spacecraft entry. Dr. Pei has contributed to over 20 publications since 2015, emphasizing algorithmic advancements in control systems, trajectory optimization, and autonomous systems. Her work often bridges theoretical optimization with practical aerospace applications, such as landing guidance and atmospheric entry systems. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, but her prolific research output highlights her technical contributions. Her academic background includes diverse education in inertial technology and navigation, complemented by industry experience in autonomous driving. She has not listed advisees or grants in the provided text, but her research themes suggest involvement in collaborative projects involving distributed optimization and machine learning.

Henry PernickaView profile

Teaching Professor

• Astrodynamics
• Orbital Mechanics
• Spacecraft Design
• +7 more

Dr. Henry Pernicka is a Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He leads the Space Systems Engineering Laboratory and advises the Missouri S&T Satellite research team (M-SAT) and the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) team. Ph.D. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (1990) M.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (1986) B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (1984) His research focuses on astrodynamics , libration point orbits , spacecraft formation control , and small satellite systems . He has pioneered the use of neural networks and genetic algorithms for spacecraft attitude control and trajectory optimization, advancing applications in swarm missions and precision formation flying . Recent publications highlight trends in spacecraft propulsion , vision-based navigation , and machine learning for formation missions. Key areas include plasmonic force propulsion , genetic algorithm trajectory design , and GPS/star tracker integration . Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor Managing Editor of The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences (1999-2011) As an advisor, Dr. Pernicka has mentored 8 Ph.D. and 34 master’s students. His work bridges spacecraft design , dynamics and control , and educational outreach through initiatives like the M-SAT program and high-altitude ballooning projects.

Marcus Vinicius Pereira PessoaView profile

Associate Professor

• Systems Engineering
• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Systems Design
• +7 more

Marcus Vinicius Pereira Pessoa is an Associate Professor specializing in Systems Engineering & Multidisciplinary Design. His work bridges advanced systems design methodologies with innovative approaches to engineering education. He is actively involved in research and academic events related to systems engineering, model-based design, and pedagogical transformation. Academic Rank: Associate Professor Department: Systems Engineering & Multidisciplinary Design His research interests center on systems engineering, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), product and systems design, and the application of gamification and real-world problem-solving in engineering education. He explores how structured methodologies like MBSE can support decision-making in complex domains such as mission configuration and technology adoption in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The recent publications highlight a dual focus: advancing technical frameworks in systems engineering—such as tradespace exploration and STEP standard extensions—and innovating in educational practices through game-based learning and redesigned project management curricula. These works reflect interdisciplinary engagement across computer science, engineering, and education. Marcus has contributed to major conferences such as the INCOSE International Symposium and the SEFI Annual Conference, demonstrating active participation in the global engineering education and systems engineering communities. His collaborative efforts with researchers from various institutions emphasize practical applications in industry settings. Participated in SEFI 2023 Conference Contributed to oral presentations on SME technology adoption Served as examiner in academic defenses While no specific grants or advising roles are detailed, his publication record and conference involvement suggest ongoing supervision and project leadership. His work with SMEs and educational tools indicates potential funding from innovation or educational reform programs. Marcus is also engaged in developing software applications for learning, evolving from card games to digital platforms, showcasing a commitment to accessible and interactive education. Though no formal lab or research group is named, his network includes collaborators in systems engineering and engineering education, suggesting participation in a broader research team focused on practical and pedagogical advancements in engineering disciplines.

Miroslav ŠipikalView profile

Associate Professor

• Regional Policy
• EU Regional Policy
• Innovation Policy
• +5 more

Miroslav Šipikal is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Public Administration and Regional Development at the Faculty of Economics and Finance, Bratislava University of Economics and Business. His research focuses on regional policy, EU regional policy, innovation policy, and the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in regional development. He has led projects such as eVALU8 (Learning by Evaluating) and UNIREG (Universities in Regional Development), emphasizing policy evaluation and university-industry collaboration. His academic career includes teaching courses like Methods of Regional Analysis and Project Development . Key research areas include the effectiveness of EU structural funds, knowledge spillovers in innovation systems, and university contributions to regional growth. He has published extensively on topics such as subsidy impact assessment, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and spatial policy frameworks. Šipikal has contributed to strategic initiatives like the Bee4R LAB (Bratislava Behavioral and Economic Experiences for Research) and collaborates with institutions on projects analyzing administrative barriers to EU policy implementation. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical evidence, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.