Edith Hemaspaandra is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), located in the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences. She holds a BS, MS, and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Amsterdam (the Netherlands). Her research focuses on computational social choice, computational complexity theory, logic complexity, and formal methods. She teaches courses such as CSCI-262/263 (Introduction to Computer Science Theory) and CSCI-664 (Computational Complexity). Her work explores the algorithmic aspects of voting systems, including election manipulation, control, and bribery, with a focus on their computational complexity. She has also contributed to formal methods for automata theory, educational tools like JFLAP extensions, and the study of complexity classes such as LWPP and WPP. Her research bridges theoretical computer science with practical applications in social choice theory and algorithm design. Her grants include an NSF-funded project on computationally protecting elections from manipulation (2011). She actively publishes in top venues like STACS and ISAAC, addressing topics ranging from graph reconstruction to hybrid election models. Though no awards are explicitly listed, her extensive publication record highlights her contributions to theoretical computer science. Her advising and grant activities include collaborative research projects and educational tool development. She is affiliated with RIT’s Department of Computer Science and maintains a personal website and ORCID profile.
Kai A. James is an Associate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), with affiliations in Computational Science and Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. (2012) and M.A.Sc. (2006) from University of Toronto, and B.A.Sc. (2004) in Engineering Science. His research focuses on multidisciplinary design optimization, topology optimization, aeroelasticity, and nonlinear mechanics, with applications to aerospace structures, additive manufacturing, and smart materials. He teaches courses such as Structural Design Optimization (AE 498), Nonlinear Solid Mechanics (AE 598), and Finite Element Analysis (ME 471). His honors include the NSF CAREER Award (2018), Scott White Aerospace Engineering Fellow (2020), and UIUC Teacher of the Year (2017). His work spans academic publications (over 50 journal/conference articles listed) and innovations in topology optimization frameworks for complex systems. Recent research emphasizes bi-stable structures (e.g., cardiovascular stents, morphing airfoils), thermomechanical design of shape-memory alloys, and spatial packing optimization for engineering systems. His lab, located in Talbot Laboratory, develops computational tools for multiphysics and multiscale design optimization.
Tzu-Chien Hsueh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where he leads the Integrated Communication Circuits Lab. His research focuses on advanced CMOS and heterogeneous process technologies for high-speed, low-power communication systems, including transceiver design, silicon photonics, and data link optimization. He holds a B.S. and M.S. from National Taiwan University (1999-2001) and a Ph.D. from UCLA (2010). Before joining UCSD, he served as a Senior Research Scientist at Intel Labs (2010-2018), leading projects like 200Gb/s SerDes Links and 7nm CMOS Memory I/Os. He currently serves on the Technical Program Committee of IEEE CICC and IEEE SSCS mentoring programs. His honors include the IEEE JSSC Best Paper Award (2015) and multiple Intel recognitions. His lab emphasizes practical design innovations, theoretical analysis, and robust circuit implementations for applications in data centers, cloud computing, and broadband communication networks.
Melissa Landers-Potts is an Interim Assistant Dean for Academic Programs and Principal Lecturer at the University of Georgia's College of Family and Consumer Sciences (Department of Human Development and Family Science). She focuses on active and universal design for teaching and learning, emphasizing inclusive excellence. Her roles include overseeing undergraduate programs, aligning with the college's 2025 Strategic Plan, and fostering teaching excellence. She earned a Ph.D. (1998), M.A. (1994), and B.A. (1990) in Sociology/Anthropology from the University of Georgia and Carleton College. Her research explores socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and technology's impact on human development, with a focus on marginalized populations. She designs inclusive curricula and integrates service-learning, partnering with private-sector mental health companies for global adolescent mentorship programs. Recent studies include effects of economic stress on children, racism/classism, and technology's role in military youth well-being. Recipient of numerous awards, including the UGA Teaching Excellence Award (2022), she mentors faculty in active learning and service-learning initiatives. She chairs multiple committees (e.g., College Curriculum, Scholarships) and advises Phi Upsilon Omicron. Her outreach emphasizes experiential learning and inclusive educational practices.
David Z. Albert is the Frederick J. E. Woodbridge Professor of Philosophy at Columbia University and director of the Philosophical Foundations of Physics M.A. Program. He holds a B.S. in Physics from Columbia College (1976) and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from The Rockefeller University (1981). His research focuses on foundational questions in physics, particularly quantum mechanics, space-time, and the philosophy of science. Albert's notable works include Quantum Mechanics and Experience and Time and Chance . He has authored numerous articles, primarily in Physical Review , exploring conceptual issues in modern physics. His contributions bridge physics and philosophy, addressing topics like measurement problems, time asymmetry, and the interpretation of quantum theory. He currently advises students in the M.A. program and maintains an active role in academic discourse. His office is located in 706 Philosophy Hall, with regular office hours on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Clinton E. Arnold is a Research Professor of New Testament and former Dean of Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He specializes in New Testament studies, particularly the letters of Paul and the Acts of the Apostles, with a focus on historical and cultural contexts. Arnold is renowned for editing the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary and authoring works like Powers of Darkness and The Colossian Syncretism . He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen and has published extensively in journals such as New Testament Studies and Journal for the Study of the New Testament . Education: Ph.D., University of Aberdeen; M.Div., Talbot Theological Seminary; B.A., Biola University. His research interests include early Christian practices, spiritual warfare, and biblical exegesis. He served as President of the Evangelical Theological Society (2011) and contributes to translation oversight for the ESV. Arnold’s work bridges academic rigor and pastoral application, emphasizing the relevance of biblical scholarship for contemporary faith communities. He has led Talbot’s extension programs in Kyiv and New York and advocates for the inerrancy of Scripture. His writings often address theological challenges in modern contexts, such as mental health, biblical authority, and missional theology. Awards include leadership roles in major theological societies and recognition for editorial contributions to biblical resources. His legacy includes shaping evangelical scholarship through commentaries, teaching, and mentoring future theologians.
Zackary Johnson , the Juli Plant Grainger Associate Professor of Biological Oceanography and Marine Biotechnology at Duke University, leads interdisciplinary research at the intersection of marine microbiology and biogeochemical innovation. Affiliated with the Nicholas School of the Environment and based at the Duke Marine Laboratory , his work spans microbial ecology, algal biotechnology, and climate mitigation strategies. Education: Ph.D. in Marine Science (Duke University, 2004), B.S. in Biology (MIT, 1994) Research Interests focus on marine microbial communities, particularly the model phytoplankton Prochlorococcus , algal cultivation for sustainable bioproducts, and the ecological impacts of ocean acidification. His lab investigates microbial interactions across diverse environments—from coastal estuaries to open-ocean gyres—and develops technologies for carbon-negative aquaculture systems. Publications highlight expertise in microbial biogeography, algal biofuels, and climate-resilient marine food webs. Recent work explores drone-based ocean color sensing, Gulf Stream eddy microbiomes, and the role of Labyrinthulomycetes protists in carbon export. Scientific Awards: Juli Plant Grainger Associate Professorship DOE and NSF-funded projects Grants include high-profile initiatives like the Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC) and REU Site program for coastal research training. His lab maintains a dedicated research site for studying microbial dynamics and sustainable algal cultivation.
Zohreh Sharafi is an Assistant Professor of Software Engineering in the Department of Computer and Software Engineering (GIGL) at Polytechnique Montréal. Previously, she served as a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she worked with Dr. Westley Weimer and was awarded the prestigious NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship. Prior to her academic career, she worked as a software engineer at Morgan Stanley, contributing to the firm's electronic trading platform and serving as principal architect of SURF, a market data simulator. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from École polytechnique de Montréal under the supervision of Dr. Giuliano Antoniol and Dr. Yann-Gaël Guéhéneuc, a Master of Applied Science in Software Engineering from Concordia University, and a Bachelor of Computer Engineering from the University of Tehran. Dr. Sharafi leads the SENSE Lab, a multidisciplinary software engineering research laboratory focused on understanding problem-solving strategies developers use during software development, with particular attention to human factors such as gender and native language. Her research combines human-centric design with experimental methodologies, investigating cognitive processes involved in software development using biometric measures including eye tracking and neuroimaging. Current active projects include evaluating trustworthiness perceptions of software artifacts and studying the role of creativity in software engineering tasks. She has made significant contributions to understanding how gender influences program comprehension and code review processes. Her publication record demonstrates a strong focus on empirical methods in software engineering, particularly eye tracking and neuroimaging techniques to study developer cognition. Her work spans program comprehension, code review, requirements engineering, and the impact of human factors on software development processes. She has developed methodological frameworks for conducting eye tracking studies in software engineering and has made notable contributions to understanding how visualization techniques affect software development tasks. NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship NSERC Discovery Grant Program and Launch Supplements (Sep 2024-Sep 2029) IVADO Startup & Operation Fund (Jan 2022-Jan 2023) Scholarship for Doctoral Studies from Fonds de Recherche du Quebec Distinguished Reviewer Awards from IEEE ICPC 2020 and ACM FSE 2024 Dr. Sharafi actively mentors students including Mahta Amini (PhD Candidate, IVADO Scientifique en résidence 2024 Laureate), Cameron Cherif (PhD Candidate), Sara Yabesi (Master's Student), and Anthonia Njoku (Graduate research intern). She serves on numerous conference organizing committees including as Local Arrangement Chair for SANER 2025, Program Co-chair for SEMLA 2024, and as a reviewer for top-tier journals including IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering and ACM Computing Surveys. Her research is supported by multiple grants focused on understanding human factors in software engineering through empirical methods. At Polytechnique Montréal, Dr. Sharafi directs the SENSE Lab which brings together computer scientists, cognitive scientists, and software engineering researchers to investigate the cognitive aspects of software development. The lab employs advanced methodologies including eye tracking, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study how developers comprehend, navigate, and modify software systems. Current projects examine trustworthiness perceptions in code review, the role of creativity in software engineering tasks, and gender differences in software development processes.
Katherine J. Franz is a Professor of Chemistry at Duke University, affiliated with the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences and the Duke Cancer Institute. She holds a Ph.D. from MIT (2000) and a B.A. from Wellesley College (1995). Her research focuses on bioinorganic chemistry, particularly metal ion coordination in biological systems, with applications in antimicrobial therapies, cancer metallomics, and neurodegenerative diseases. Key projects include developing prochelators targeting fungal and bacterial pathogens, studying copper's role in antifungal drug efficacy, and designing light-activated metal complexes for controlled drug release. Dr. Franz has received numerous awards including the Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (2009), Sloan Research Fellowship (2008), and the NSF CAREER Award (2005). She leads a lab with 6 current students/mentees and has secured grants from NIH, NSF, and the US-Israel Binational Science Foundation. Her lab's work spans from fundamental metalloprotein studies to translational drug development, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches in chemistry and biology. Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry, MIT, 2000 B.A. in Chemistry, Wellesley College, 1995 Research Interests: Metal homeostasis in pathogens, copper's role in antifungal resistance, prodrug design for targeted therapy, and mechanistic studies of metalloproteins. Grants: Tri-Institutional Molecular Mycology Training Program (NIH, 2024–2029) Duke PREP Biomedical Sciences Program (NIGMS, 2022–2027) Copper-Mucin Interaction Study (BSF, 2022–2026) Her lab's publications (n=15+ since 2020) highlight breakthroughs in prodrug selectivity, copper-induced protein toxicity, and histatin antifungal mechanisms. The Franz Lab actively collaborates with clinicians and computational scientists to advance therapeutic strategies addressing unmet medical needs in infectious diseases and cancer.
Dr. Ahmad Afsahi is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Queen's University, Canada. He leads the Parallel Processing Research Laboratory (PPRL) and chairs the Graduate Studies committee in ECE. His research focuses on parallel processing, high-performance computing (HPC), and network-based systems, with emphasis on communication runtime systems, accelerated computing, and deep learning infrastructure. Education: Ph.D. (Electrical Engineering, 2000) from University of Victoria; M.Sc. (Computer Engineering, Sharif University of Technology); B.Sc. (Computer Engineering, Shiraz University). Research interests include parallel programming models, MPI optimization, GPU-aware communication, network-aware algorithms, and power-efficient HPC systems. He is a Senior Member of IEEE, ACM member, and licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario. Key Awards: Canada Foundation for Innovation Award, Ontario Innovation Trust Award. Over 50 publications in top venues like SC, EuroMPI, IPDPS, and IEEE journals. Current teaching includes cluster computing and digital systems. Labs/Groups: PPRL, Queen's Collaborative Graduate Specialization in Computational Science and Engineering, Data, Analytics, and Computing (DAC) Research Group.
Ebony N. Bridwell-Mitchell is the Herbert A. Simon Professor of Education, Management, and Organizational Behavior at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education (HGSE). She serves as Faculty Co-Chair of the Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship (ELOE) program. Her research focuses on institutional and organizational dynamics affecting K-12 education reform, employing qualitative and quantitative methods like social network analysis. Bridwell-Mitchell's work emphasizes leveraging relationships and networks to improve educational equity and institutional effectiveness, supported by grants from organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF). Education: Ph.D., New York University (2008) M.P.P., Harvard University (1999) B.A., Cornell University (1996) Research Interests: Bridwell-Mitchell investigates how social networks and institutional logics shape educational policies and practices. Her work highlights the role of organizational relationships in enabling or hindering reform, particularly in underserved communities. Key themes include: Educational equity through resource redistribution Leadership development in K-12 systems Institutional agency in policy implementation Social capital formation in teacher communities Professional Engagement: She advises education organizations and leads initiatives like Leading Culture Change: Strategies for School Improvement and School Leaders of Color Organizational Development Collaborative . Her research has been published in journals such as Educational Administration Quarterly and Sociology of Education , with translations for practitioner audiences. Grants & Partnerships: Bridwell-Mitchell's NSF-funded work examines systemic barriers to educational equity. She collaborates with schools and nonprofits to design evidence-based interventions. Teaching: Teaches courses on organizational theory, educational policy, and leadership at HGSE. Office hours are held in Gutman Hall, with virtual options available.
Catherine Z. Elgin is a Professor of the Philosophy of Education at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education since 1996. She holds a Ph.D. from Brandeis University (1975) and has taught at MIT, Princeton, Wellesley, Dartmouth, UNC Chapel Hill, Michigan State, Simmons, and Vassar prior to her Harvard appointment. Literary executor for Nelson Goodman and Jonathan Adler Research focuses on epistemology , philosophy of art , and philosophy of science Argues that understanding (not knowledge) should be epistemology's central concern Research Trends across her publications reveal: Epistemic value of fiction and imagination Interdisciplinary connections between art, science, and philosophy Critique of analytic/synthetic distinctions Perspectival approaches to scientific representation Conceptual analysis of exemplification and metaphor Epistemic normativity in educational contexts Scientific Awards & Editorial Involvement : Elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences (2023) Advisory Board, American Philosophical Association Committee on the Philosophy of Education Editorial Board, American Philosophical Quarterly Editorial Board, International Journal for the Philosophy of Science Academic Leadership : Teaches courses in philosophy of education Maintains active research program through Harvard's DASH repository Collaborates with educators across Harvard's schools including the Center for Ethics and the Professions
Monica DeHart is a Professor of Sociology and Anthropology and Director of the Global Development Studies program at the University of Puget Sound. Her work focuses on the cultural politics of economic development in Central America, particularly exploring how gender, class, race, and ethnic differences shape development projects and their outcomes. She has conducted ethnographic research in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Guatemala for over two decades, with recent emphasis on China-Central America relations. Her forthcoming book Transpacific Developments: The Politics of China and Chineseness in Central America examines the multifaceted roles of China, Taiwan, and local diaspora communities in the region. Education: B.A., University of California, Davis (1994) M.A., Stanford University (1997) Ph.D., Stanford University (2001) Research Interests: DeHart’s work critiques neoliberal development paradigms and explores how transnational actors and institutions redefine development. Her studies often highlight contradictions in policies that reframe ethnic identity as a tool for economic growth. Recent projects analyze China’s growing influence in Central America, including infrastructure investments, cultural diplomacy, and anti-corruption policies. She emphasizes the intersection of local and global dynamics in shaping development outcomes. Key Themes in Publications: Her articles and books address topics such as China’s transpacific political economy, the role of diaspora communities, and the historical legacies of anti-Chinese sentiment. She also examines how language institutes and infrastructure projects serve as geopolitical tools. Her work bridges anthropological theory with critical analyses of global development trends. Professional Activities: DeHart teaches courses on global development, anthropological theory, and cultural studies. She is currently on leave for Spring 2026. Her office is located in McIntyre 213P, and she can be reached at mdehart@pugetsound.edu.
Lily Hsueh is an Associate Professor of Economics and Public Policy (with tenure) at the School of Public Affairs, Arizona State University (ASU), and a Visiting Scholar at the Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University. She is affiliated with multiple research centers, including the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, the Center for Environmental Economics and Sustainability Policy, the Center for Organization Research and Design, and the Political Economy Working Group at ASU. She earned her Ph.D. in Public Policy and Management from the University of Washington, an M.S. in Economics from University College London, and a B.A. in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to her academic career, she worked as a Senior Analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Dr. Hsueh’s research focuses on the intersection of economics, politics, and governance in environmental policy. She investigates how alternative governance systems—such as voluntary programs and market-based mechanisms—affect policy outcomes in areas like climate change, toxic chemicals, and marine resources. Her work emphasizes the role of firms, institutions, and governments in shaping environmental governance and social equity. Her recent publications explore trends in corporate climate disclosure, sustainable public procurement, participatory budgeting, and the health impacts of environmental disasters. These studies employ rigorous econometric methods and contribute to both academic and policy debates on sustainability and governance. Recipient of the 2020–21 AAUW American Fellowship Two-time winner of the Distinguished Teaching Award at ASU (2016–17, 2021–22) Recipient of the 2023 Professor of Impact award (student-initiated) Elected to the APPAM Policy Council (2024–2028) Editorial board member of PLOS Climate Dr. Hsueh has secured research funding from NOAA, the V. Kann Rasmussen Foundation, and ASU. She actively mentors students and junior scholars and is currently completing a book with MIT Press titled Corporations at Climate Crossroads . She also leads curriculum development in economics and public policy at ASU and teaches across undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. levels. She is involved in several research teams and initiatives, including the Political Economy Working Group and the Sustainable Procurement Research Group at ASU, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams at Stanford on climate governance research.
Jack B. Soll is the Gregory Mario & Jeremy Mario Distinguished Professor of Management and Organizations at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. He joined Duke in 2005 after roles at INSEAD and visiting positions at Chicago and Wharton. His Ph.D. from the University of Chicago focused on behavioral science and economics. Research : Soll specializes in the psychology of judgment and decision making, particularly overconfidence, group decision making, and behavioral policy implications. He has pioneered studies on: Overconfidence's societal impacts Wisdom of crowds dynamics Decision biases in hiring and energy policy Teaching : Teaches decision making, leadership, and statistics across executive and MBA programs. Known for bridging academic research with practical managerial insights. Awards : Decision Analysis Publication Award (2021) Key Contributions : Co-created the 'MPG Illusion' concept showing consumer misunderstandings of fuel efficiency Pioneered 'self-blinding' techniques to reduce decision biases Advanced understanding of advice-taking dynamics in organizations
