Matthew Casey is an Associate Professor and Director of the School of Humanities at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). He holds a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh (2012) and teaches courses on Latin American and Caribbean history, including HIS 102, HIS 310, and HIS 424. His research focuses on Cuba and Haiti, examining themes of migration, labor, and US imperialism during the early 20th century. Education: PhD in History, University of Pittsburgh (2012) MA in History, University of Pittsburgh (2006) BA in History, University of Texas at Austin (2003) Research interests include transnational migration patterns, colonial and postcolonial governance, and the socio-economic impacts of US interventions in the Caribbean. His 2017 monograph Empire's Guest Workers analyzes Haitian laborers in Cuba during US occupations, while recent articles explore labor conflicts, paramilitary politics in Republican Cuba, and pedagogical approaches to linking African American and Latin American histories. Publications span peer-reviewed journals such as International Labor and Working Class History and Caribbean Studies , reflecting interdisciplinary engagement with labor history, political economy, and cultural studies. Casey is fluent in Spanish and actively contributes to scholarly debates on Caribbean historiography.
Nathan Young is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sustainable Resources Management at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). His research focuses on physical hydrology and environmental science, with a particular emphasis on understanding how heat, water, and solutes move through the environment in response to climate change and landscape alterations such as permafrost thaw, sea-level rise, and environmental hazards like wildfires and landslides. He integrates fieldwork, numerical modeling, and quantitative analysis to improve predictive models for sustainable water management. Education includes a Ph.D. in Geology and Environmental Science (2019, Iowa State University), an M.S. in Earth and Environmental Science (2014, Wright State University), and a B.A. in Geology and Sociology/Anthropology (2012, Earlham College). Research interests span hydrogeology, climate change impacts, permafrost dynamics, and groundwater flow modeling. His work often involves advanced tools like MATLAB, R, Python, and numerical models such as MODFLOW and HydroGeoSphere. He emphasizes fieldwork in student mentorship, valuing hands-on experience and quantitative skills. Teaching includes courses like Watershed Hydrology (FOR 340) and Watershed Ecology and Management (FOR 442). Current advisee Ford Ford is pursuing an MS in Environmental Science. Awarded funded graduate assistantships and undergraduate research positions are available to qualified candidates with academic excellence, research experience, and enthusiasm for hydrological studies. His lab focuses on cryohydrogeological systems, particularly in Arctic regions like Nunavik, Québec, and investigates the interplay between thermal regimes, permafrost degradation, and subsurface hydrology.
Assoc Professor Anne Raffin is a faculty member in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the National University of Singapore (NUS), specializing in historical sociology with expertise in colonial and postcolonial studies across Southeast Asia and French India. Her academic position reflects deep engagement with empire legacies and state-society dynamics. Her educational background includes: Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities & Social Sciences from the New School for Social Research, United States (2000) Professor Raffin's research centers on modern colonialism's enduring impacts, state-society relations, and heritage policy complexities. She examines historical sociology through French colonial frameworks in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Pondicherry, with recent work analyzing how colonial memories shape contemporary migration patterns among French retirees. Her teaching portfolio spans foundational sociology courses including Methods of Social Research, Sociology of Power, and Cultural Heritage: The Politics of Protecting the Past, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to power structures and identity formation. Analysis of her 2014-2024 publications reveals consistent focus on colonial legacies in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam's Nha Trang and Cambodia's Sihanoukville, alongside French India's Pondicherry. Key thematic threads include citizenship evolution under colonial liberalism, international retirement migration as postcolonial phenomenon, and heritage preservation's political dimensions. Methodologically, she integrates archival research with contemporary fieldwork, often using interview-based approaches to bridge historical contexts with present-day social realities. No scientific awards were documented in the source materials. Available information does not specify graduate student advising commitments or research grant acquisitions, though her extensive publication record suggests active research engagement. No dedicated laboratories, research centers, or team structures were referenced in the provided materials.
Carlos Silvera Batista is an Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering. His research focuses on manipulating colloidal systems to design functional materials, emphasizing nanoscale interactions and electrokinetic phenomena. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Florida and a B.E. from City College of New York. Education: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Florida B.E., Chemical Engineering, City College of New York Research Interests: Dr. Batista investigates the forces and flows governing colloidal assembly, with applications in nanomedicine, energy, and materials science. Key areas include solvation forces in nanoscale systems, electrokinetic transport of anisotropic colloids, and the directed assembly of reconfigurable materials. Techniques such as analytical ultracentrifugation and confocal microscopy are central to his work. Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes electrodiffusiophoresis-driven colloidal dynamics, long-range transport of charged particles, and applications in CRISPR delivery and structural materials. His studies bridge fundamental physics with practical applications in biomedicine and nanotechnology. Awards: None explicitly listed. Advising & Grants: No advisees listed. Received the NSF CAREER Award (2023) for research on colloidal dynamics under electrodiffusiophoresis. Labs & Teams: Leads the Colloids & Interfacial Phenomena lab, part of Vanderbilt’s Nano Science and Technology intellectual neighborhood. Focus areas include colloidal dispersions, nanomaterials, and interfacial phenomena.
Joseph Lam is an Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago (2012) and specializes in ancient Near Eastern languages and literatures, particularly Hebrew Bible studies, Ugaritic texts, and Semitic linguistics. His research focuses on religious thought, metaphor theory, and ritual practices in ancient Syria-Palestine and Anatolia. Lam teaches courses on Classical Hebrew, ancient Near Eastern history, and religious metaphors, and has authored influential works like Patterns of Sin in the Hebrew Bible (2016). He has received awards including the Schwab Academic Excellence Award (2017) and Lydie T. Shufro Research Fellowship (2017). His current projects explore sacrificial traditions and their connections to sin concepts in ancient Israel. Lam also contributes to public scholarship through courses on Wondrium and academic council roles. Education: Ph.D., University of Chicago (2012); M.A. (2005), M.Div. (2003), and B.A.Sc. (1999) from other institutions. Research interests include Hebrew Bible context, ritual analysis, Semitic languages, and metaphor in religious discourse. Key publications address sin metaphors, Ugaritic literature, and linguistic studies of ancient texts. He maintains affiliations with the Society of Biblical Literature Council and has developed innovative courses on ancient Near Eastern mythologies and religious practices.
Prof. Mirko Novák is an Associate Professor of Near Eastern Archaeology at the University of Bern's Institute of Archaeological Sciences (IAW), holding this position since 2015. He serves as Managing Director of the institute. His academic career includes roles as a research associate, field director, and acting professor at multiple institutions, including the Universities of Tübingen, Heidelberg, and Munich. Novák specializes in the archaeology of Mesopotamia and the Levant, focusing on ancient Near Eastern social economy, architectural analysis, and the ideological underpinnings of archaeological remains. His research integrates urban planning, burial practices, and cultural interactions across ancient civilizations. Recent work emphasizes Neo-Hittite urbanism, Assyrian citadel dynamics, and the interplay between monumental architecture and writing systems in the Hittite Empire. His publications span edited volumes, excavation reports, and theoretical analyses, reflecting a commitment to both fieldwork and interdisciplinary scholarship. Novák has led major archaeological projects like the Tall Halaf excavations and contributed to initiatives exploring Central Asian cultural exchange. His academic trajectory includes a habilitation at Tübingen (2004), re-habilitation at Munich (2010), and editorial leadership in journals like Altorientalische Forschungen . Awards and honors are not explicitly listed in the provided materials, though his extensive publication record and research leadership indicate significant scholarly recognition.
Nathalie Katsonis is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Molecular Active Systems department within the Stratingh Institute of Chemistry. Her research focuses on understanding and designing active molecular systems inspired by biological mechanisms, emphasizing the transmission of movement across molecular to macroscopic scales, particularly in liquid crystals, supramolecular chemistry, and molecular machines. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Sorbonne Université (2004), followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Groningen (2004–2007) and a Veni Fellowship (2009–2011). Prior to her current position, she held academic roles at the University of Twente, including Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor from 2011–2020. Her research explores molecular motion mechanisms, chirality control, and the creation of functional materials like light-responsive polymers and self-actuating systems. Key contributions include studies on rotaxane-based liquid crystal switches and macroscopic motion driven by molecular dynamics. She leads an international research group and chairs committees such as the Binding Study Advice Commission (FSE) and the Van't Hoff Foundation. Notable awards include the Professor-Werdelmann Award (2022), Koninklijke Hollandsche Maatschappij der Wetenschappen membership (2021), and an ERC Consolidator Grant (2017). Her work bridges fundamental science and applications in soft robotics, smart materials, and origins-of-life research.
Daniel T. Potts is a Professor of Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology and History at New York University's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW). He holds a PhD from Harvard University (1980) in Anthropology, specializing in Near Eastern archaeology, and previously held academic roles at institutions including the Freie Universität Berlin, University of Copenhagen, and the University of Sydney, where he served as the Edwin Cuthbert Hall Chair of Middle Eastern Archaeology until 2012. His research focuses on the archaeology and history of Iran, Mesopotamia, and the Persian Gulf. He has conducted fieldwork in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing excavations at sites like Tepe Yahya and Tell Abraq. His work explores nomadic societies, ancient trade networks, and material culture's role in understanding historical dynamics. Potts is the founding editor-in-chief of *Arabian Archaeology & Epigraphy* and serves as a Corresponding Member of the German Archaeological Institute and ISMEO. His publications include seminal works on Elamite archaeology, UAE prehistory, and the broader Ancient Near East, reflecting his expertise in integrating archaeological evidence with historical records. His advising and grants narrative highlights decades of academic mentorship and leadership in archaeological projects. While specific grant details are not provided, his extensive fieldwork and editorial roles suggest sustained institutional and international support. He has been involved in prominent field teams, including those at Tell Abraq and Tepe Yahya, contributing to the understanding of ancient regional interactions and cultural evolution.
Jiaxiang Zhang is Professor of Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Computer Science at Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering. He holds a PhD in Computational Neuroscience from the University of Bristol and previously held positions at the University of Birmingham, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (Cambridge), and Cardiff University where he founded the Cognition and Computational Brain Lab. Zhang's research integrates computational modeling, machine learning, brain imaging (MEG/EEG/fMRI), and experimental approaches to study human cognition, aging, and neurological disorders. Key focus areas include: Neural mechanisms of decision-making and problem-solving Computational models of cognitive processes AI applications in healthcare diagnostics and neuroimaging Brain network dynamics in neurological conditions Recent publications emphasize deep learning models for neural data, multimodal brain connectivity, decision-making impairments in Parkinson's disease, and neuroinformatics tools. His work shows strong clinical translation through epilepsy biomarker development and emergency department outcome prediction. Zhang has led research grants from ERC, MRC, BBSRC, and Wellcome Trust. As primary investigator for multiple projects, he oversees significant computational neuroscience initiatives. He is available for postgraduate supervision.
Ben Ost is an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), affiliated with the Department of Economics within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He holds a PhD from Cornell University (2011) and a BA from Grinnell College (2006). His research focuses on labor economics and the economics of education, with specific interests in teacher quality, higher education outcomes, and applied econometric methodologies. Educationally, Ost has contributed to understanding how academic policies like probation systems and honors programs affect student performance and earnings. He has examined generational differences in teacher effectiveness, employer connections in college networks, and omitted variable bias in statistical models. His work frequently employs regression discontinuity designs and value-added modeling to assess educational interventions and labor market dynamics. Key Research Themes: Teacher development, college access policies, human capital formation, and peer effects. Grant Funding: Principal Investigator for $47,000 Spencer Foundation grant and $3,894 OSSR grant. Teaching: Award-winning instructor in graduate microeconometrics, labor economics, and education economics courses. Recognized with the UIC TRP Award (2011-2016), Ost has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students, serving as committee chair or member for over 20 advisees. His professional service includes peer-review roles for top journals like the Quarterly Journal of Economics and American Economic Review, alongside NSF grant reviewing.
Christoph Schrank is an Associate Professor at QUT's School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, specializing in structural geology and rock physics. His research combines field studies with synchrotron-based experimental techniques to investigate deformation processes in tectonic settings. Research focuses on: Synchrotron analysis of rock deformation Tectonic modeling of fault systems Geothermal energy applications Pattern formation in porous media Publication analysis shows emphasis on experimental rock physics (40%), microstructural analysis (30%), and Precambrian tectonics (20%). His work frequently integrates advanced imaging techniques with mechanical modeling. Funded projects include ARC DP170104550 (pressure waves in earthquake mechanics) and DP140103015 (finite strain modeling). Coordinates Honours program for Earth Science and teaches structural geology field methods.
Damani White-Lewis is an Assistant Professor of Higher Education at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE). His research focuses on racial inequality in academic careers, leveraging organizational behavior and social psychology frameworks. He examines mechanisms driving inequity in faculty hiring, promotion, retention, and the disproportionate DEI labor assigned to racially minoritized faculty. His work is funded by NIH and NSF, and has appeared in leading journals like Journal of Higher Education and American Educational Research Journal . Key projects include ethnographic studies on faculty hiring inequities, an NSF-funded examination of DEI work in tenure evaluations, and COACHE data analysis on faculty retention. He has received awards including the 2020 Outstanding Dissertation Award and recognition from multiple academic associations. As a public scholar, he advises institutions on systemic change, equity strategies, and DEI initiatives, frequently featured in Inside Higher Ed and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education . His research emphasizes actionable interventions to improve academic workforce equity, including rubric-based hiring, mentorship frameworks, and institutional policy reforms. He collaborates with universities and organizations to translate research into practice, addressing structural barriers in higher education systems.
Professor Charles Elliott of Warwick's Mathematics Institute specializes in the numerical analysis of partial differential equations with applications in biology, materials science, and geometric evolution. His research develops finite element methods for surface PDEs, free boundary problems, and phase transitions, with recent publications on Cahn-Hilliard equations and information propagation models. Honors include the Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award, Humboldt Prize, and honorary doctorate from Sussex University. As Editor-in-Chief of the IMA Journal of Numerical Analysis and editor for Interfaces and Free Boundaries, he shapes research dissemination in computational mathematics. Teaching covers topics in PDEs and mathematical modeling. His theoretical work on surface evolution equations informs applications in cell motility studies and biomembrane physics, connecting mathematical rigor with biological and physical phenomena.
Adam T. Smith is Distinguished Professor of Arts and Sciences in Anthropology at Cornell University, where he holds appointments in the Department of Anthropology, the Archaeology Program, and the Milstein Program in Technology & Humanity. He is a leading scholar in Eurasian archaeology, specializing in the South Caucasus, with a focus on the emergence of complex societies and the materiality of political authority. Smith is a co-founder of Project ArAGATS and leads Caucasus Heritage Watch, a pioneering initiative using satellite technology to monitor cultural heritage at risk. His educational background includes a Ph.D. and M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Arizona, an M.Phil. from the University of Cambridge, and a B.A. in Anthropology & Political Science from Brown University. Smith's research interests span archaeology, material culture, political and legal anthropology, heritage and museums, and the archaeology of sovereignty. His work combines theoretical inquiry with empirical fieldwork, exploring how objects, landscapes, and built environments shape political life from the Bronze Age to the present. He is particularly known for his work on the Urartian state, Bronze Age metaphysics, and the long-term political dynamics of the Armenian Highland. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in using archaeology to address contemporary issues of heritage destruction, collective memory, and cultural erasure, especially in conflict zones like Nagorno-Karabakh. The articles show a deep engagement with remote sensing, geophysical survey, and interdisciplinary methods to reconstruct past societies and protect endangered heritage. Fellow, Milstein Program in Technology and Humanity, Cornell University (2023–2025) Finalist, Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year, Social Sciences and Humanities (2023) Certificate of Communal Partnership, St. James AME Zion Church, Ithaca NY (2023) John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellow (2010–2011) Fellow, Cornell University Society for the Humanities (2010–2011) Fellow, Howard Foundation (2006–2007) Fellow, Franke Institute for the Humanities, University of Chicago (2003–2004) National Endowment for the Humanities/American Councils for International Education Collaborative Research Fellow (2003) Fellow, Michigan Society of Fellows, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (1997–1999) Smith advises graduate students, leads the Landscapes and Objects Laboratory, and directs major research initiatives including Project ArAGATS and the St. James AME Zion Community Excavations. His work has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, Wenner-Gren Foundation, National Geographic Society, and other leading institutions. He is actively engaged in public archaeology, policy advocacy, and community-based research, bridging academic scholarship with real-world impact.
Bianca Basciano is an Associate Professor at the Department of Asian and North African Studies , Ca' Foscari University of Venice, where she has held the Director's Delegate for Research role since 2023. Her work focuses on Chinese linguistics , particularly Mandarin morphology, syntax, and second language acquisition. Research Areas: Chinese compounding, reduplication, causative constructions, resultative compounds, and language teaching methodologies. Teaching: Offers BA/MA courses in Chinese language and linguistics at Ca' Foscari University. Editorial Roles: Member of the editorial boards for Sinica Venetiana and Lingue e Linguaggio . Research Projects: Principal investigator for the PRIN 2020 project on Italian learners' acquisition of Chinese resultative verbs, with extensive corpus-based analysis. Collaborates with Giorgio Arcodia and other international scholars. Key Themes: Event structure delimitation, Vendlerian verb classes, micro-parametric syntactic variation. Publications: Over 40 works including monographs with Oxford University Press and Bologna University Press. Her methodological approach combines theoretical linguistics with corpus analysis, contributing to the understanding of Chinese as both a linguistic system and a second language acquisition challenge. She has also organized international conferences like the 31st IACL Annual Meeting.
