Find Academic Supervisors

Kwasi Gyau Baffour AwuahView profile

Research Fellow

• Land use planning and urban development processes
• Land/property & natural resource administration and management
• Heritage Conservation & Management
• +5 more

Dr Kwasi Gyau Baffour Awuah is an interdisciplinary academic and practitioner with over 22 years of international experience in real estate, urban development, and sustainability across developing and developed contexts. Currently based at THINKlab, University of Salford, he leads the real estate research and consultancy cluster while teaching urban development modules. His educational qualifications include: PhD in Economic Analysis of Spatial Planning & Management Systems PG Cert. in Academic Practice in Higher Education (PCGAP) MA in Development Studies BSc (Hons) in Land Economics Professional Diploma in Real estate surveying & valuation Certificate in Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) Professional Certificate in Alternative dispute resolution Dr Awuah's research spans land administration, heritage conservation, urban governance, sustainable development, and property valuation, with particular focus on African urban contexts. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical policy implementation, addressing challenges in informal settlements, infrastructure financing, and sustainable resource management. Recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate a pronounced shift toward digital heritage conservation (HBIM applications in Jordan), stakeholder dynamics in Nigerian water systems, and sustainable housing solutions. His interdisciplinary approach integrates urban planning, digital technologies, and governance frameworks to tackle complex sustainability challenges in rapidly urbanizing regions. No scientific awards were explicitly mentioned in the source material. Dr Awuah has supervised over 50 student dissertations across degree levels and serves as an external examiner for multiple universities. His research attracts substantial funding from: RICS (Property Valuation Practice in Sub-Saharan Africa) DFID (Urbanisation and Infrastructure Research Programme) EU (INTERREG IVB C2C BIZZ project) AHRC (Digital Heritage in India) Royal Academy of Engineering (Jordanian Heritage Conservation) As leader of the real estate research cluster at THINKlab, he directs a multidisciplinary team conducting internationally collaborative projects with academic institutions, government bodies, and industry partners across Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Ayush TewariView profile

Assistant Professor

• Computer Vision
• 3D Reconstruction
• Neural Rendering
• +3 more

Ayush Tewari is an Assistant Professor at the University of Cambridge. Previously, he was a postdoctoral researcher at MIT CSAIL under Bill Freeman, Josh Tenenbaum, and Vincent Sitzmann, and completed his Ph.D. at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics under Christian Theobalt. His research focuses on visual perception, developing methods to infer 3D structured representations from images and videos, aiming to bridge the gap between human perceptual capabilities and machine learning systems. Key research interests include neural rendering, inverse rendering, 3D reconstruction, and generative models. Notable contributions include advancements in Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF), diffusion models for inverse problems, and human-centric perception studies. His work has been published in top venues such as SIGGRAPH, CVPR, ICCV, and NeurIPS. Recent research trends emphasize ambiguity-aware inverse rendering, stochastic inverse problem solving using diffusion models, and integrating forward models for 3D scene inference. His work on Diffusion with Forward Models (NeurIPS 2023) proposes a novel framework for solving inverse problems without direct supervision. Awards: Best Paper Honorable Mention at BMVC 2022 (VoRF: Volumetric Relightable Faces). Labs/Projects: Core contributor to the DFM (Diffusion with Forward Models) project, advancing 3D scene understanding via probabilistic methods.

• Neuroscience
• Olfactory Systems
• Sensory Processing
• +3 more

Dr. Katrin Vogt is a researcher at the University of Konstanz, specializing in neuroethology and sensory systems. Her work focuses on understanding recurrent neural circuits governing state-dependent behavior, particularly in olfactory systems of Drosophila larvae. She leads a subproject investigating hunger-dependent serotonergic modulation in the antennal lobe, collaborating with a doctoral student. Her research bridges vertebrate and invertebrate models to identify conserved network principles across species. Dr. Vogt is part of a DFG-funded interdisciplinary team examining recurrent circuits' roles in flexible behavioral responses to environmental changes. Her research interests include neural circuitry modulation, sensory integration, and behavioral plasticity. Key projects involve analyzing how sensory inputs are modulated by internal states like hunger, and how recurrent connections enable adaptive responses. She has contributed to studies on visual and olfactory memory formation, multisensory integration, and navigational strategies in Drosophila. Publications highlight work on dopamine signaling in taste punishment, social behavior in larvae, and cross-species odor coding principles. Her findings aim to uncover fundamental mechanisms underlying sensory-driven behavior and neural plasticity in both vertebrates and invertebrates.

Philip DamesView profile

Associate Professor

• Robotics
• Probabilistic Robotics
• Multi-Robot Systems
• +7 more

Philip Dames is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the College of Engineering, Temple University, where he leads the Temple Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Lab (TRAIL). His research focuses on enabling robots to operate effectively in complex, real-world environments to meet societal needs. Research Interests: His work spans robotics, probabilistic reasoning, multi-robot systems, active sensing, mapping, and target tracking. He develops algorithms for distributed coordination, uncertainty-aware navigation, and semantic perception, with applications in autonomous systems and human-robot interaction. Publication Trends: His recent publications (2020–2025) appear in top robotics journals like IEEE Transactions on Robotics and Autonomous Robots . The research emphasizes probabilistic methods, deep reinforcement learning, large language models for planning, and real-time navigation in dynamic and uncertain environments, reflecting a strong trend toward intelligent, adaptive robotic systems. Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER Award Advising and Grants: While specific advisees are not listed, he leads a research lab and has secured competitive funding such as the NSF CAREER award. He mentors students through research in robotics and advises on projects related to autonomous navigation and multi-robot systems. Labs and Teams: He directs the Temple Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Lab (TRAIL), which focuses on developing advanced robotic capabilities through collaborative, interdisciplinary research in perception, planning, and control.

Benjamin SugerView profile

Researcher

• Robotics
• Autonomous Systems
• Traversability Analysis
• +6 more

Benjamin Suger is a researcher in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Freiburg, affiliated with the Autonomous Intelligent Systems group within the Faculty of Engineering. His work centers on robotics and intelligent systems, particularly in autonomous navigation and environment modeling. Diploma in Mathematics, University of Freiburg (2003–2011) PhD Student, Autonomous Intelligent Systems Group, University of Freiburg (2011–2017) His research interests include traversability analysis, SLAM, 3D modeling, and mobile robotics. He applies machine learning and computer vision techniques to enable robust robot navigation in complex and dynamic environments. His work often integrates sensor data from 3D lidar and visual systems to improve perception and localization. The recent publications highlight a strong focus on long-term autonomy, outdoor navigation, and memory-efficient SLAM algorithms. Key themes include handling perceptual changes, terrain adaptability, and integration of open geospatial data like OpenStreetMap. His work bridges theoretical algorithm development with real-world robotic applications. Scientific recognition includes being a finalist for the Best Conference Paper Award. This reflects the impact and quality of his contributions to the robotics community. Best Conference Paper Award Finalist Benjamin Suger has contributed significantly to research projects such as LifeNav and has served as a teaching assistant for the Introduction to Mobile Robotics course. While no direct advising of students is listed, his collaborative work with prominent researchers like Wolfram Burgard indicates active participation in a larger academic and research team. He has not received external grant mentions in the provided text. He is part of the Autonomous Intelligent Systems lab at the University of Freiburg, a leading group in robotics research, where he contributes to advancing the state of the art in autonomous navigation and environmental understanding for mobile robots.

Federico BoniardiView profile

Researcher

• Robotics
• Mobile Robot Navigation
• Localization and Mapping
• +6 more

Federico Boniardi is a researcher at the Autonomous Intelligent Systems group in the Department of Computer Science at Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Faculty of Engineering. He holds advanced degrees in Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence and has been actively contributing to robotics research since 2014. Bachelor’s in Mathematics, University of Milano (2006–2010) Master’s in Mathematics, University of Milano (2010–2012) MSc in Artificial Intelligence, University of Edinburgh (2013–2014) PhD Research Assistant, University of Freiburg (2014–2019) His research centers on mobile robot navigation, focusing on robust localization and mapping in indoor environments using LiDAR and architectural or hand-drawn floor plans. He explores long-term autonomy and human-robot interfaces, particularly in sketch-based map interpretation and shared control systems. His work integrates sensor calibration, topometric mapping, and deep learning for room layout extraction. The most recent publications reflect a strong trend in leveraging CAD and sketched maps for robot localization, combining probabilistic filtering, graph-based optimization, and semantic understanding. His contributions span key robotics venues such as IEEE/RSJ IROS, IEEE ICRA, and Robotics and Autonomous Systems. Scientific Contributions: Developed pose graph-based localization for long-term navigation Advanced LiDAR-based localization in architectural plans Explored Bayes filters for shared autonomy Enabled robot navigation using hand-drawn sketch interfaces Federico has served as a Teaching Assistant for Theoretical Computer Science and supervised student seminars on robot navigation. He has contributed to EU-funded research projects including RobDREAM and SQUIRREL, focusing on robot performance optimization and clutter management. He is based in Freiburg, Germany, and continues active research in autonomous intelligent systems.

Myron F. FloydView profile

Professor

• Physical Activity and Public Health
• Built Environment and Health Disparities
• Race and Ethnicity in Leisure Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Myron F. Floyd is Dean of the College of Natural Resources at NC State University. With over 35 years of academic experience, he has held faculty roles at Clemson University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Florida before joining NC State in 2005 as a Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. PhD in Recreation and Resources Development, Texas A&M University MS in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University MS in Recreation and Park Administration, Clemson University BS in Recreation and Park Administration, Clemson University His research focuses on the intersection of race/ethnicity with leisure behavior, examining how urban green spaces can mitigate health disparities and promote physical activity in marginalized communities. He has pioneered studies on environmental justice, conservation behavior, and crowdsourcing data for health research. Key grants include $1.5M from DHHS for obesity prevention in NC counties, $435K from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for park-based physical activity studies, and multiple USDA Forest Service/NPS-funded projects. He co-authored the seminal book Race, Ethnicity, and Leisure and has produced 95+ peer-reviewed articles. Elected Fellow: Academy of Leisure Sciences (2005), American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (2019) Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award (2008) Leadership for a Diverse Campus Workshop Series (2014) Dr. Floyd has served on national advisory councils including USDA's Forestry Research Advisory Council (2014-2017) and NC Institute of Medicine's Healthy NC 2030 Taskforce. His work bridges public health, natural resource management, and social equity through interdisciplinary research.

Ben Ward-CherrierView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Robotics
• Computational Neuroscience
• Prosthetics
• +2 more

Ben Ward-Cherrier is a Senior Lecturer in Robotics at the University of Bristol's School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology. His research focuses on biomimetic tactile sensing, neuromorphic systems for robotics, and haptic interfaces. He develops artificial tactile systems inspired by biological sensory mechanisms for applications in prosthetics, robotic manipulation, and human-robot interaction. Key research areas include neuromorphic tactile sensors that mimic biological afferents, real-time texture and edge classification algorithms, incipient slip detection for stable grasping, and vibrotactile feedback systems. Recent work integrates spiking neural networks with tactile hardware for efficient sensory processing. Publications demonstrate advancement in tactile sensing capabilities, including braille recognition in noisy environments, psychophysics-inspired benchmarking, multi-modal texture/velocity classification, and industrial applications like composite defect detection. Research bridges computational neuroscience with practical robotic systems.

• Robotics Perception
• Alternative Sensing
• Inertial Fusion
• +6 more

Teresa Vidal-Calleja is an Associate Professor and Research Director at the Robotics Institute, University of Technology Sydney (UTS). She holds a Deputy Head of School (Research) role in the School of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering. Her research focuses on robotics perception, alternative sensing, inertial fusion, SLAM, and applications in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and construction. Education: B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering (UNAM, 2000), M.Sc. Electrical Engineering (CINVESTAV-IPN, 2002), Ph.D. Automatic Control (Polytechnic University of Catalonia, 2007). Postdoctoral Experience: LAAS-CNRS (France), Australian Centre for Field Robotics (Sydney). Research Interests: Teresa’s work spans robotics perception, sensor fusion, autonomous navigation, and collaborative robotics. She leads projects on next-gen infrastructure robotics (ARC Discovery Grant) and is co-lead of the Australian Cobot Centre. Her innovations target hazardous environments, infrastructure maintenance, and human-robot collaboration. Funded Research: Includes grants for robotic sensors, satellite docking systems, and multi-robot collaboration. Recent projects involve Navantia, the NSW Space Research Network, and industry partnerships. Professional Roles: IEEE Senior Member, Treasurer of the Australian Robotics and Automation Association, and Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Robotics and other journals. She chairs conferences like the Australasian Conference on Robotics and Automation. Labs/Teams: UTS Robotics Institute, collaborating with global institutions like ETH Zürich and DLR. Her work integrates robotics with industries such as agriculture and construction, emphasizing sustainability and safety.

Luis da VinhaView profile

Lecturer

• International Relations
• International Security
• International Order
• +6 more

Dr. Luis da Vinha is a Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at De Montfort University, where he is affiliated with the School of Humanities and Performing Arts within the Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities. Previously, he served as a Senior Lecturer and Teaching Program Director for the Government department at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, and as a tenured Associate Professor and coordinator of the political science program at Valley City State University in North Dakota, USA. Dr. da Vinha's educational background includes: Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Coimbra, Portugal M.A. in Geography from the University of Coimbra, Portugal B.A. in Geography from the University of Coimbra, Portugal Dr. da Vinha's research focuses on International Security, International Order, International Political Economy, Foreign Policy Analysis, and Geopolitics/Political Geography. His work particularly examines how geographic mental maps influence foreign policy decision-making, with special attention to U.S. foreign policy across different presidential administrations. He has developed innovative teaching methods using interactive technologies to enhance student learning in international relations. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on understanding foreign policy decision-making processes, particularly examining how cognitive frameworks and mental maps shape geopolitical perceptions and policy outcomes. His work spans traditional security concerns, digital governance issues in Africa's smart cities, and pedagogical innovations in political science education, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach that bridges political science, geography, and international relations. Dr. da Vinha has received numerous teaching awards recognizing his innovative approaches to education: 2024 National Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (Australia Awards for University Teaching) 2023 Vice Chancellor's Award for Innovation in Teaching Commendation (Flinders University) 2022 CBGL Vice-President and Executive Dean's Teaching and Learning Innovation Award (Flinders University) 2021 Vice-Chancellor's Innovation in Teaching Award (Flinders University) 2021 CBGL Vice-President and Executive Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching (Flinders University) 2016 VCSU Teacher of the Year Award (USA) As an academic advisor, Dr. da Vinha currently supervises several PhD students including Lachlan Poel (principal supervisor) working on electoral disinformation in American and Australian parliamentary committees, Vinícius Guedes Gonçalves de Oliveira (auxiliary supervisor) researching cybersecurity challenges to Australian space infrastructure, and Thomas O'Donnell (auxiliary supervisor) examining AUKUS and the deterrence of grey zone activities. His research has been published with major academic presses including Routledge, Palgrave Macmillan, Springer, and numerous prestigious journals. Dr. da Vinha is affiliated with several research groups including the Institute of Global Challenges and Cultures, the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies, and the Space Power and Policy Applied Research Consortium, where he contributes expertise on geopolitical issues related to space policy and international security.

Lerzan AksoyView profile

Professor

• Service Research
• Customer Loyalty
• Customer Satisfaction
• +9 more

Lerzan Aksoy is Dean and George N. Jean Ph.D. Chair at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, where she has been since 2008. She previously served as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Strategic Initiatives (2015–2022). Her academic roles include leadership in marketing education and research. Education : Ph.D. in Marketing, Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill M.B.A., George Mason University B.Sc. in Business Administration, Hacettepe University, Turkey Research Interests : Her work focuses on service research, customer loyalty, satisfaction, and innovation. Key themes include the Wallet Allocation Rule, ESG metrics, symbiotic value creation, and the impact of social innovation in service systems. She emphasizes bridging academic theory and practitioner needs, particularly in measuring customer loyalty and its business implications. Publications & Awards : A recipient of the 2022 AMA Lovelock Award for lifetime contributions to service research, Aksoy has authored NYT bestseller The Wallet Allocation Rule and over 50 peer-reviewed articles. Her work appears in top journals like Journal of Marketing , Journal of Service Research , and Harvard Business Review , addressing topics from customer experience innovation to pandemic-era service safety. Service & Leadership : President of AMA Academic Council (2024) Past co-chair of AMA SERVSIG (2014–2018) Consultant to Filene Research Institute (credit unions) Fulbright Scholar Labs & Impact : Her research lab explores ESG metrics, social innovation, and service ecosystems. She collaborates with organizations to apply frameworks like the Wallet Allocation Rule to strategic decision-making.

Brett GibsonView profile

Professor

• Animal Cognition
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Spatial Memory
• +1 more

Brett Gibson is Professor and Department Chair of Psychology at University of New Hampshire. He holds a Ph.D. from University of Nebraska and M.S. from Bucknell University, with research focusing on animal cognition and behavioral neuroscience. Research examines: Spatial memory and navigation across species Neurophysiological basis of learning and decision-making Comparative cognition in birds and rodents Visual perception and memory systems His publications demonstrate consistent focus on neural mechanisms of spatial cognition, particularly thalamocortical pathways and prefrontal function, with significant work on avian cognitive abilities in nutcrackers and pigeons.

Amy FarrellView profile

Professor

• Human Trafficking
• Criminal Justice System
• Law Enforcement Strategies
• +5 more

Amy Farrell is a Professor and Director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University's College of Social Sciences and Humanities. She also co-directs the Violence and Justice Research Lab. Her research focuses on human trafficking, criminal justice system responses, and policy analysis, with a particular emphasis on labor trafficking, victim advocacy, and marginalized communities. Farrell holds a PhD in Law, Policy, and Society from Northeastern University (2001). Her work includes examining how law enforcement identifies and prosecutes trafficking cases, studying public perceptions of human trafficking, and analyzing systemic biases affecting Latinx populations. She serves on state-level task forces, including the Massachusetts Governor's Working Group on Human Trafficking. Farrell's interdisciplinary approach integrates criminology, public health, and sociology to address gaps in legal frameworks and healthcare access for trafficking survivors. Key areas of focus include the intersection of bias victimization and mental health, the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and the role of the private sector in combating trafficking. Her research has informed federal and state policies, and she has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. Farrell's grants and collaborations span academic and governmental institutions, emphasizing transdisciplinary solutions. She teaches courses such as 'Human Trafficking,' blending theoretical analysis with real-world case studies. Her work highlights systemic inequities and advocates for trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches to justice and healthcare.

Michelle McManusView profile

Professor

• Child Protection
• Violence Prevention
• Criminal Justice
• +9 more

Professor Michelle McManus is a leading academic in Safeguarding and Violence Prevention at Manchester Metropolitan University's School of Nursing and Public Health, within the Faculty of Health and Education. She holds dual roles as a Professor and Co-Director of the Institute for Children’s Futures. Her research focuses on child protection, domestic/sexual abuse, and multi-agency safeguarding strategies, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration to address exploitation (e.g., CSE, CCE, County Lines) and serious youth violence. Education: PhD, MSc, BSc (Hons), AFBPsS (Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society), CPsychol (Chartered Psychologist). Research Interests : - Development of safeguarding frameworks (e.g., 12Cs Collective Safeguarding Model) - Evaluation of law enforcement tools like the Kent Internet Risk Assessment Tool (KIRAT) - Domestic abuse responses during crises (e.g., pandemic lockdowns) - Policing strategies for vulnerable populations Key Projects : - Led thematic reviews of Child Practice Reviews in Wales - Evaluated Operation Provide (police-health co-responder model for domestic abuse) - Shaped the National Independent Safeguarding Board's Wales strategy Awards : - 2021: LJMU Vice Chancellor Award for Pandemic Research - 2013: Kent Constabulary Merit Award for KIRAT - 2018: Lancashire Constabulary Evidenced-Based Policing Certificate Grants & Grantsmanship : - Secured £338,970 for County Lines Program Evaluation (Home Office) - Led £106,744 Welsh Government project on safeguarding reforms - Co-Investigator on £336,676 UKRI domestic abuse study Labs/Teams : - Institute for Children’s Futures (co-directed) - Collaborations with Public Health Wales, police forces, and NGOs

Stephanie PorrasView profile

Professor

• Global Early Modern Art
• Northern European Art
• Dutch and Iberian Empires
• +8 more

Dr. Stephanie Porras is Professor and Chair of the Newcomb Art Department at Tulane University, specializing in the visual and material culture of Northern Europe and the Spanish world (15th–17th centuries). She has previously taught at Columbia University, the Courtauld Institute of Art, and University College London. Her research explores early modern artistic exchange, print culture, and the global mobility of artworks. Education: PhD, Courtauld Institute of Art Porras's work analyzes how artistic practices intersect with historical identity, particularly in the Dutch and Iberian empires. Her 2023 book The First Viral Images examines Antwerp print production and its transglobal reception, while her 2016 monograph Pieter Bruegel's Historical Imagination recontextualizes peasant imagery as historical narrative. Recent projects include co-editing the Nederlands Kunsthistorisch Jaarboek and investigating the West India Company’s role in Atlantic visual culture via a hybrid humanities lab course. Key article trends reveal her focus on transatlantic artistic transmission, print replication, and vernacular antiquity debates. Her edited volumes cover eco-critical perspectives in Netherlandish art and the global Renaissance. Scientific Awards: Franklin Pease G.Y. Memorial Prize for best article in Colonial Latin American Review (2019–2020) Porras mentors graduate students in topics like copy theory, migrant artists, and European-American artistic exchange. She contributes to the Art Bulletin as Reviews Editor and serves as Vice President of Tulane's Phi Beta Kappa chapter.