Dr. Hassan Qudrat-Ullah is a Professor at the School of Administrative Studies, York University, and Coordinator of the Certificate in Logistics Management. He holds a PhD in Decision Sciences from NUS Business School and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University. His research focuses on dynamic decision making, system dynamics modeling, energy planning, and interactive learning environments. He teaches courses on quantitative methods, logistics, and decision analysis, informed by global industry experience across 20+ countries. Research interests include sustainability, climate change, systems thinking, and educational applications of decision sciences. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Complexity in Applied Science and Technology and is a member of IEEE, DSI, and the International System Dynamics Society. His work has been published in Energy , Decision Support Systems , and others. Key projects include studies on 'structured-debriefing in dynamic decision making' and renewable energy policies in Africa. His recent articles (2023–2025) address AI integration in energy governance, system dynamics for supply chain resilience, and education for sustainability. Hassan advocates for systems thinking in K-12 education and enjoys traveling (visited 129 countries) and bird-watching.
Prof. Dr. Frank Ulbrich is a Lecturer and Programme Director for the BSc Business Administration at the Lucerne School of Business (HSLU). He holds a PhD in Business Administration from the Stockholm School of Economics. His academic career spans roles at universities in Sweden, the UK, Canada, and Switzerland, alongside IT & Management consulting experience. Research focuses on management education, project management, information management, and organizational change. He has published extensively in areas like shared services, digital transformation, and curriculum development. Notable awards include multiple Emerald Literati Awards and a Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy. Education: PhD in Business Administration (Stockholm School of Economics) Affiliations: Institute of Business and Regional Economics at HSLU Teaching Subjects: Academic Methods, Higher Education Management, Project Management, Digital Transformation Recent presentations include discussions on bridging academia-industry gaps, curriculum integration of SDGs, and data-driven learning strategies. His work emphasizes aligning education with labor market needs and advancing evidence-based teaching practices.
Bradley Olsen is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), holding the Alexander and I. Michael (1960) Kasser Chair in Chemical Engineering. He is affiliated with MIT's School of Engineering and directs research in the Plastics and the Environment Program. His academic career spans over two decades with numerous prestigious appointments and recognitions. Olsen earned his S.B. from MIT in 2003 followed by a Ph.D. from the University of California Berkeley in 2007. His educational background is complemented by postdoctoral fellowships including NIH and Beckman Institute Postdoctoral Fellowships (2008-2009) and the Hertz Fellowship (2003-2007). Research Interests Professor Olsen's research focuses on designing materials to address important challenges while understanding the fundamental science necessary for materials design. His primary research areas include block copolymers, soft condensed matter physics, protein-based materials, and bioelectronics. His group specializes in polymer networks, protein-polymer conjugates, self-assembly phenomena, and sustainable polymer development. The research has significant implications for biomaterials, sustainable polymers, and advanced materials design. Publication Trends Analysis of Professor Olsen's recent publications reveals a strong focus on polymer network topology, protein-polymer conjugates, and sustainable materials. His work increasingly integrates computational methods with experimental approaches, particularly in polymer characterization and data science applications to materials science. Recent publications show growing emphasis on biodegradable polymers, polymer informatics, and biomedical applications of advanced materials. Scientific Recognition Professor Olsen has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, including: American Physical Society (APS) Fellow (2023) Fulbright Amazonia Scholar (2023) Alexander and I. Michael Kasser Chair in Chemical Engineering (2021) ACS Macro Letters/Biomacromolecules/Macromolecules Young Investigator Award (2021) AIChE Owens Corning Early Career Award (2019) American Physical Society Dillon Medal (2018) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow in Chemistry (2014) Advising and Funding Professor Olsen has secured significant research funding from multiple federal agencies including NSF, NIH, AFOSR, and DOE. His group has produced numerous high-impact publications across top journals in polymer science, materials science, and chemistry. He has advised multiple graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. The MIT OGE's Committed to Caring Honor (2019) recognizes his excellence in graduate student mentoring. Research Infrastructure Professor Olsen leads a research group with capabilities spanning polymer synthesis, protein engineering, materials characterization, and computational modeling. His lab maintains strong collaborations with other MIT departments, national laboratories, and international research institutions. The group participates in several interdisciplinary initiatives including the Plastics and the Environment Program and has developed significant data infrastructure for polymer science through projects like CRIPT and BigSMARTS.
David Ashmore is a Lecturer in Engineering Economics at the University of Southampton, specializing in transport sector reform, infrastructure procurement, service contract franchising, and public policy. He has over 30 years of international experience working with engineers, policymakers, regulators, and multilateral donors across the UK, Europe, India, the Americas, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions. Transport Economics Infrastructure Procurement Public-Private Partnerships Policy Analysis His recent research explores sustainable mobility transitions, including ride-hailing dynamics in Indian cities, hydrogen truck adoption in Australia, and equitable infrastructure systems amid rapid urbanization. He emphasizes multistakeholder collaboration and policy innovation in transport reforms. Key publication trends focus on zero-emissions transportation, PPP challenges, automated planning tools, and formal-informal sector integration in developing countries. Articles span conference proceedings, journal articles, and policy-oriented outputs. David serves as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Technical University of Dresden and holds memberships in the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and the Institution of Transportation Engineers. He actively supervises PhD students and leads global transport policy research initiatives.
Luisa Domingues is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Science and Technology at ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon. She serves as an Integrated Researcher at ISTAR-Iscte - Research Center in Information Sciences, Technologies and Architecture, specializing in Information Systems research. Her academic qualifications include a PhD in Information Science and Technology from ISCTE-IUL (2013). Her primary research interests focus on: Project Management : Methodologies, risk assessment, and knowledge sharing Database Systems : Management, interoperability, and standardization e-Government Solutions : Public sector information systems and shared services Ontological Frameworks : Particularly for architectural heritage documentation Educational Technologies : Blended learning approaches in higher education Her recent publications (2016-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on project management methodologies, knowledge transfer, and information systems in public sector contexts. Key thematic trends include PMBOK framework applications, agile methodology adoption challenges, data science project risks, and technological solutions for cultural heritage preservation. Most works employ case study research and empirical validation methods. Dr. Domingues maintains an active advising portfolio with 1 doctoral candidate and 36 master's students, primarily focusing on topics in project management, information systems, and data science applications. She has held significant academic leadership positions including: 4th Year Coordinator for Bachelor's in Computer Science and Business Management (2020-2027) Program Director for the same degree (2017-2019) At ISTAR-Iscte research center, she contributes to projects involving information systems architecture, data standardization, and knowledge management frameworks.
Paul O'Shea is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, Lund University, Sweden. He holds a joint Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield and Tohoku University, Japan (2012), and has held academic positions at the Stockholm School of Economics, Aarhus University, and Lund University. He rejoined Lund in 2016 and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2020. Ph.D. in International Relations, University of Sheffield and Tohoku University (2012) Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Stockholm School of Economics Lecturer, Aarhus University, Denmark (2013–2016) Associate Senior Lecturer, Lund University (2016–2020) Senior Lecturer, Lund University (2020–present) His research centers on East Asian international relations, particularly Japanese foreign and security policy, US-Japan-China dynamics, territorial disputes, military alliances, and the societal impacts of international politics. He explores how global politics shapes everyday life, including food safety, environmental policy, rural development, and immigration. His work combines theoretical frameworks like punctuated equilibrium theory with empirical analysis of policy shifts in Japan. The recent articles reflect a consistent focus on Japan’s evolving security posture, alliance dynamics with the United States (especially concerning Okinawa), the political and social implications of the Tokyo Olympics during the pandemic, and comparative governance of crises in Japan and Sweden. His publications span academic journals, policy briefs, and public commentary in outlets like The Conversation , The Guardian , and The Diplomat . He has received the Tohoku Creativity Grant and contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas related to peace, justice, and strong institutions. His work engages with political science, sociology, and public policy. O'Shea supervises PhD and MA students and teaches courses including International Relations of East Asia, Contemporary Japanese Society, and Politics and Governance in Asia. He has supervised theses on topics such as food risk in Japan and US-Japan security relations. He has also led and participated in multiple research projects, including EU-funded initiatives on the Indo-Pacific and Chinese governance practices. He is active in public engagement, having participated in media debates (e.g., Al Jazeera’s The Stream) and public lectures on WWII memory and East Asian politics. His research is widely cited and has influenced public discourse on Japan and pandemic governance.
Eileen M. Van Aken is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. (1995), M.S. (1991), and B.S. (1988) in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on performance measurement systems, lean work systems, and organizational improvement methodologies, with particular emphasis on Kaizen event effectiveness, nonprofit performance frameworks, and military organizational dynamics. Key professional roles include Editor of Engineering Management Journal (2012-present), ABET Evaluator, and Fellowships in IISE, ASEM, and the World Academy of Productivity Sciences. Recent research projects include studies on lean management in local governments, digital engineering metrics, and nonprofit performance measurement systems. She has led over 20 sponsored research initiatives, including studies funded by the Belgian Armed Forces, National Science Foundation, and Danaher Corporation. Education: Ph.D. & M.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering (Virginia Tech, 1995/1991), B.S. Industrial Engineering (Virginia Tech, 1988) Research Projects: Kaizen sustainability (NSF), military learning organizations (Belgian Armed Forces), and enterprise transformation frameworks Professional Roles: IISE Fellow (2014), ASEM Fellow (2010), Technical Vice President of Institute of Industrial Engineers (2012-2015) Publications emphasize Kaizen event success factors, lean healthcare systems, and nonprofit performance measurement. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks and practical applications in organizational performance improvement across industries and military contexts.
Professor Patrick Diamond is a leading academic in Public Policy at Queen Mary University of London's School of Politics and International Relations. He holds a BA, MPhil from Cambridge, and a PhD from Sheffield. His work focuses on UK productivity, regional inequality, governance structures, and social democratic ideologies. He has held senior roles in UK government, including Head of Policy Planning in Downing Street, and has been a Local Councillor in Southwark. Currently, he chairs Policy Network, advises international organizations, and serves on boards of think-tanks and trusts. His research explores policy advisory systems, Brexit impacts, and Labour Party evolution. He has authored over 20 books and numerous articles, including seminal works on British political history and governance reform. He has secured significant research funding from ESRC, Research England, and others. Educational Background: BA, MPhil (Cambridge); PhD (Sheffield). Research Interests: UK productivity, regional inequality, comparative governance, policy advisory systems, Northern Ireland governance, social democracy, and British Labour Party dynamics. He has led projects on English governance post-Brexit, well-being mapping in London, and economic change in East London. Awards and Grants: ESRC Productivity Institute grant (2022-25), Research England Impact Fund (2023-24), multiple ESRC Impact Acceleration Awards. Fellowships include Visiting Fellow at Kellogg College (Oxford), Policy Fellow at the Ministry of Justice Strategy Unit, and Academy of Social Sciences membership. Students and Supervision: Supervised PhD candidates including Matthew Lloyd, Fathima Sulaiman, and Karl Pike, focusing on British politics, governance, and policy analysis. Active in mentoring doctoral research on political leadership and spatial policy. Public Engagement: Advises international bodies like the Latin American Development Bank and Humana International. Serves on boards of Dartington Service Design Lab and Prisoners’ Education Trust. Regularly contributes to media outlets including BBC Radio 4, Guardian, and Financial Times.
Professor Moses Acquaah is a Professor and Department Head of Management at the Bryan School of Business and Economics, University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). He serves as Director of the PhD Program in Business Administration. His research focuses on strategic management, emerging economies, family businesses, and sustainability in Africa. He holds a Ph.D. in Strategic Management from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and multiple advanced degrees from institutions like Simon Fraser University and the University of Cambridge. Education: Ph.D. in Strategic Management and International Management, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee M.B.A. in Accounting & Policy Analysis, Simon Fraser University M.A. in Economics (Monetary and International Economics), Simon Fraser University Graduate Diploma in Development Studies, University of Cambridge B.A. (Honors) in Social Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Ghana Research Interests: Social capital and networking in emerging economies Competitive strategy in sub-Saharan Africa Family business management and entrepreneurship Sustainability and green supply chain practices Leadership in Africa and the diaspora Global strategic alliances and institutional pressures His recent work examines pandemic impacts on African businesses, innovation strategy combinations, and leadership effectiveness. He has published extensively in journals like Journal of Cleaner Production , International Business Review , and Africa Journal of Management . Key Contributions: Pioneered studies on family businesses in sub-Saharan Africa Developed the Leadership Effectiveness in Africa and the Diaspora (LEAD) scale Edited special issues on pandemic management and sustainable development in Africa
Scott L. Stephens is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management (ESPM) at the University of California, Berkeley. He holds a Ph.D. in Wildland Resource Science from UC Berkeley (1995) and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Sacramento State University (1985). His research focuses on wildland fire science, fire ecology, and forest management, with an emphasis on how climate change and policy influence fire regimes. He leads the Stephens Lab, which conducts interdisciplinary studies on fire behavior, ecosystem resilience, and policy reform. Key contributions include advocating for prescribed burning and Indigenous stewardship practices to mitigate wildfire risks. Stephens has testified before congressional committees on forest health and has been recognized as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2024). His work integrates ecological, policy, and management perspectives to address contemporary fire challenges. Education: Ph.D., Wildland Resource Science, UC Berkeley, 1995 B.S., Electrical Engineering, Sacramento State University, 1985 Research Interests: Wildland fire behavior and effects Fire ecology and ecosystem interactions Climate change impacts on fire regimes Policy and management of fire-adapted landscapes Scientific Contributions: Stephens has authored or co-authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles, including seminal works on prescribed fire efficacy, forest restoration, and policy reform. His lab’s research has been featured in BioScience , Ecological Applications , and policy briefs for federal agencies. Lab and Collaborations: The Stephens Lab collaborates with Indigenous communities, federal agencies, and international researchers to advance fire science. Notable projects include the Fire and Fire Surrogate Study (FFS) and the Stewardship Project, which advocate for integrating Indigenous burning practices into federal policies.
Cristina Bettinelli is a full professor in the Department of Management at the University of Bergamo. She serves as Director of the MSc Program in International Management and Marketing (IMM) and Director of the Center for Young and Family Enterprise (CYFE). Her research focuses on family business governance , entrepreneurial firm innovation , and internationalization , with publications in journals like Family Business Review , Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice , and Journal of Family Business Strategy . Member of editorial boards: Family Business Review , Journal of Family Business Strategy Professional activities: Innovative training projects, Marketing Lhab research group (since 2024) Scientific Awards: Best Contribution to Practice Paper (2024) - IFERA Best Unpublished Research Paper Award (2022, 2015) - FFI Multiple Best Paper Awards/Nominations - IFERA, EIASM, ICSB Family Business Review Best Paper Award (2012) Recent Research Trends: Analyzes family firm dynamics, pandemic response behaviors, cross-border e-commerce strategies, and B corporation ethics. Her 2024-2025 publications emphasize organizational identity , crisis management , and strategic governance .
Vinod M. Vokkarane is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he serves as Director of the Center for Smart Cyber-Physical Systems (SCyPS) and Director of Advanced Computer Network Labs. Previously, he was an Associate Professor at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth from 2004 to 2013 and a Visiting Scientist at MIT's Research Laboratory of Electronics from 2011 to 2014. His extensive research portfolio spans multiple domains of advanced networking and cyber-physical systems. Dr. Vokkarane earned his educational foundation with a B.S. from University of Mysore, India (1999), followed by an M.S. (2001) and Ph.D. (2004) in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Dallas. His dissertation focused on optical burst-switched networks, establishing the foundation for his future research trajectory. His research interests center on Cyber-Physical Systems, Network Optimization, Reliability, Smart Grids, and Cyber-Security, with particular expertise in the design, analysis, and modeling of architectures, protocols, and algorithms for ultra-high speed networks including Optical networks, Grid/Cloud networks, and Big-data networks. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical implementations, often addressing critical challenges in network reliability, security, and efficiency. His research has received significant recognition through numerous best paper awards and substantial external funding. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear evolution toward increasingly sophisticated integration of cyber-physical systems with power infrastructure, particularly in the areas of grid resilience and observability. His work has expanded from fundamental optical networking research to address critical infrastructure challenges, with a growing emphasis on machine learning applications for network optimization and power system monitoring. The recent focus on PMU networks, disaster resilience, and cyber restoration demonstrates his strategic pivot toward addressing national security and critical infrastructure protection challenges. UMass Dartmouth Scholar of the Year Award (2011) UMass Dartmouth Chancellor's Innovation in Teaching Award (2010-11) University of Texas at Dallas Computer Science Dissertation of the Year Award (2003-04) Multiple Best Paper Awards including IEEE GLOBECOM 2005, IEEE ANTS 2010, ONDM 2015, ONDM 2016, and IEEE ANTS 2016 Texas Telecommunications Engineering Consortium Fellowship (2002-03) Dr. Vokkarane has successfully mentored numerous graduate students who have contributed significantly to his research projects, with several going on to successful careers in academia and industry. His research has been consistently supported by major funding agencies including NSF, DOE, and USMC, with recent projects totaling over $5 million in funding. Current projects include Unified Post-Disaster Restoration Planning for Cyber-Physical Power Distribution Systems (ONR, $550K), CyberCARE: Northeast University Cybersecurity Center (DOE, $3.5M), and Flexible Spectrum Allocation in Next-Generation Optical Networks (NSF, $350K). He leads the Center for Smart Cyber-Physical Systems (SCyPS) and Advanced Computer Network Labs at UMass Lowell, where his research teams work on cutting-edge problems in network architecture, cyber-physical security, and infrastructure resilience. His labs collaborate extensively with national laboratories and industry partners to translate theoretical advances into practical solutions for real-world infrastructure challenges.
Marc Sachon is a Full Professor and Director of the Department of Operations, Information, and Technology at IESE Business School, University of Navarra . He serves as Academic Director for Advanced Management Programs (AMP) and specialized courses like Successful Change Management and Industry 4.0 . His leadership extends to the annual IESE Automotive Industry Conference (since 1986) and consulting engagements with global firms such as BMW Group , Phoenix Group , and Traton Group . PhD in Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management from Stanford University MBA from IESE Business School Master's in Aerospace Technology from University of Stuttgart His research focuses on operations strategy , particularly in the automotive industry , and the impact of Industry 4.0 on manufacturing and logistics. He explores how digital transformation reshapes value chains, emphasizing human-machine collaboration and supply chain resilience. His work spans academic journals like IEEE Transactions and business publications like IESE Insight , with case studies on companies such as Porsche and Netflix . Professor Sachon has received multiple teaching awards and maintains an active consulting practice across industries including airlines , pharmaceuticals , and logistics . He previously worked at Airbus and IBM , and currently advises a mobility startup board. His recent publications highlight trends in electric mobility , 3D printing , and supply chain sustainability .
Ueli Grossniklaus is an Ordinary Professor at the University of Zurich within the Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences , affiliated with the Department of Plant and Microbiology . His work focuses on plant developmental biology, particularly epigenetic and genetic mechanisms governing reproduction and adaptation. Key Courses: Epigenetics, Plant Biology Workshop, Group Seminars on Current Research Laboratory Techniques: Advanced methods in plant cell mechanics, transcriptomics, and genome editing Research Interests span plant epigenetics, reproductive biology, and the interplay between environmental stress and genetic regulation. He investigates: Mechanistic control of gametogenesis and fertilization Epigenetic contributions to plant adaptation Evolutionary implications of asexual reproduction Biophysical forces in plant cell growth Publication Trends (2025–2018) reveal expertise in: Arabidopsis and fern model systems Epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation, histone dynamics) Apomixis and hybrid seed failure mechanisms Biomechanics of pollen tubes and carnivorous plants Genome editing tools (CRISPR) and long-read sequencing Scientific Collaborations include interdisciplinary projects on: Microfluidic devices for plant cell analysis Gene drive ecology and ethics 3D imaging of plant reproductive structures Advising and Grants focus on mentoring through research internships in developmental biology, genetics, and systems biology. His lab engages in: Epigenetic response to environmental stress Cell wall mechanics in reproduction Computational modeling of plant growth Laboratory Teams integrate plant biologists, bioengineers, and computational scientists to study: Mechanistic gene regulation Evolutionary developmental biology Microrobotics for cellular force measurement
Christian Messier is a Professor at the University of Quebec in Outaouais (UQO) in the Department of Natural Sciences and at the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM) in the Department of Biological Sciences. He serves as Scientific Director of the Institute of Temperate Forest Sciences (ISFORT) and holds two prestigious research chairs: the Canada Research Chair on Tree Resilience to Global Changes and the NSERC/Hydro-Québec Chair on Tree Growth Control. His academic career spans over three decades since completing his Ph.D. in forest sciences from the University of British Columbia in 1991. Dr. Messier's research focuses on two primary areas: the complex functioning of managed natural forest systems to develop management approaches that promote resilience in the face of global changes, and the study of trees and urban forests to reconcile the needs of minimizing negative impacts of trees on human infrastructure while maximizing ecosystem services. His work integrates field studies, simulation modeling, and network theory to address pressing challenges in forest ecology and management. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on urban forest resilience, functional diversity in forest ecosystems, and nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. The research shows a clear trajectory toward more applied, solution-oriented approaches that bridge fundamental ecological understanding with practical forest management applications across diverse spatial scales from individual trees to entire landscapes. Francqui Foundation Chair (Belgium) - 2020 Member of The Royal Society of Canada - 2019 Personality of the Year 'Radio-Canada/Le Droit' - 2017 Humboldt Research Award - 2016 Prix Acfas – Michel-Jurdant - 2010 Canadian Forestry Scientific Achievement Award - 2006 Dr. Messier has supervised over 40 graduate students throughout his career and currently leads multiple major research projects including the Canada Research Chair on Forest Resilience, the NSERC/Hydro-Québec Chair on Tree Growth Control, and the SylvCIT project for urban forest immunization against global change. His research has been supported by significant grants from NSERC, Canada Research Chairs program, Hydro-Québec, and other major funding agencies. He directs the Messier lab with research assistants Kim Bannon and Fanny Maure, and collaborates with numerous researchers across Canada and internationally. His team studies diverse aspects of forest ecology including soil dynamics, functional composition of tree communities, nature-based solutions for climate adaptation, and ecophysiology of maple water flow. The lab maintains strong connections with the International Diversity Experiment Network with Trees (IDENT) and other major forest research initiatives.
