Hayley James is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Personal Financial Wellbeing, Aston Business School, part of Aston University. Her work focuses on sociological perspectives of finance, ageing, and lifecourse intersections. She holds a PhD from the University of Manchester, where her thesis examined UK pension reforms' impact on individual financial decisions. Research Interests: Financial wellbeing, gender and finance, economic sociology, and the role of policy in shaping personal financial practices. She explores everyday financial practices through qualitative methodologies, particularly how motherhood, ageing, and institutional policies influence financial decision-making. Collaborations include cross-European studies on pension savings design and rapid evidence reviews linking physical health to financial wellbeing. Her work bridges social sciences with policy analysis, emphasizing practical applications of academic findings. Her publications span peer-reviewed journals (e.g., Sociological Review, Work, Aging and Retirement) and public-facing blogs. Current projects investigate consumer duty frameworks to mitigate debt-related stress and rethinking definitions of financially responsible behavior.
Dr. Ali Dhinojwala is the W. Gerald Austen Endowed Chair and H.A. Morton Professor in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering at The University of Akron. He joined the university in 1997 after postdoctoral and industry roles. His research focuses on interfacial science, biomimicry, and adhesion mechanisms, leveraging techniques like sum-frequency-generation spectroscopy. He co-leads the Biomimicry Research Innovation Center (BRIC), studying natural adhesives in geckos, spiders, and birds. His work is funded by NSF, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and industry partners. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University (1994), B.Tech. from IIT Bombay (1986). Research Interests: Adhesion, friction, wetting, structural colors, and bioinspired materials. His group develops synthetic adhesives using carbon nanotubes and studies melanin-based materials for color and radiation protection. Grants & Collaborations: Over 20 grants from NSF, DOD, and industry (e.g., Lubrizol, ExxonMobil). Recent projects include ice adhesion studies and nanoscale thermal interfaces. Labs & Teams: Leads the Dhinojwala Research Group and BRIC, fostering interdisciplinary projects with biologists, engineers, and physicists.
Andrew B. Ward is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology at The Scripps Research Institute. His research focuses on membrane proteins and viruses, employing integrative structural biology techniques such as x-ray crystallography and electron microscopy. He investigates viral entry mechanisms and antibody-mediated neutralization, with a particular emphasis on HIV, influenza, and other pathogens. Ward’s work aims to design better vaccines by understanding antibody-virus interactions and structural dynamics. Education: Ph.D., The Scripps Research Institute, 2008 B.S., Duke University, 2001 Research Interests: Membrane protein transporters Viral entry mechanisms Structural basis of antibody neutralization Design of broadly neutralizing antibodies Influenza and HIV vaccine development Scientific Awards: Young Investigator in Virology Award (2017) Anne Palmenberg Junior Investigator Award (2014) Ray Thomas Edwards Foundation Fellowship (2013) Advising & Grants: Ward’s lab has contributed to numerous collaborative projects on viral structures and vaccine design. Grants include funding from NIH and the National Science Foundation. His lab’s work frequently involves structural biology and computational modeling to advance immunotherapeutic strategies. Labs/Teams: His laboratory focuses on structural virology and antibody engineering, collaborating with institutes globally to combat infectious diseases.
Ngoc T. Bui is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sustainable Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Connecticut (2014), an M.S. in Textile Engineering from Chonnam National University (2007), and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Organic Chemistry from HoChiMinh City University of Technology (Vietnam). His research focuses on the water-energy-environment nexus, developing advanced functional materials and membranes for sustainable separations, environmental remediation, and renewable energy applications. Dr. Bui's work integrates physics, chemistry, and engineering to study nanomaterials' physicochemical properties and their transport behaviors. His lab designs membranes and adsorbents from nanoscale building blocks, focusing on energy-efficient wastewater treatment from oil and gas industries and converting pollutants into valuable commodities. Key projects include bioinspired supramolecular complexes for heavy metal removal, carbon nanotube-based breathable protective fabrics, and adsorptive membranes for precision ion separation. His research outputs span over 30 peer-reviewed articles, patents on nanoporous membranes and adsorptive technologies, and contributions to textbooks like Desalination: Water from Water and Desalination 2nd Edition . Collaborations with Lawrence Berkeley and Livermore National Laboratories highlight his expertise in applied nanotechnology and sustainable engineering. Dr. Bui's lab emphasizes translational research through systems-level assessments, aiming to transform water, energy, and environmental landscapes. Current efforts include granulation technologies for nutrient recovery and fluidized-bed systems for industrial wastewater treatment.
Dr David Plater is an Associate Professor at the University of Adelaide Law School and Deputy Director of the South Australian Law Reform Institute (SALRI), a nonpartisan law reform body formed through partnership between the University, Law Society, and State Government. He also serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Tasmania Law School. His teaching portfolio includes Law Reform (supporting SALRI's work), Criminal Law, Selected Issues in Criminal Law, Evidence, and Advocacy. Dr Plater holds a PhD from the University of Tasmania (2011) examining the historical development and modern application of the prosecutor's role as a 'minister of justice'. He is admitted as a legal practitioner in England, Republic of Ireland, Northern Territory, Tasmania, and South Australia. His extensive practical experience includes work as a Senior Crown Prosecutor and with the State DPP in South Australia. His research focuses on modern Law Reform, surrogacy, prosecution discretion, victims' rights, vulnerable parties in the justice system, and legal history. His thematic approach emphasizes making the legal system more efficient, equitable, and accessible for traditionally overlooked groups including victims of sexual abuse, individuals with cognitive impairments, and Aboriginal communities. He often draws on historical analysis to highlight longstanding legal issues and explores how fair trial rights must balance competing interests of accused, victims, and community. Dr Plater's recent publications reveal consistent focus on law reform through SALRI's work, with particular attention to vulnerable witnesses, surrogacy law, powers of attorney, and historical perspectives on criminal justice. His research bridges historical legal analysis with contemporary challenges, especially regarding fair trial rights and balancing competing interests in the justice system. Australian Research Council Linkage grant ($252,124) for national jury study on sentencing for sex offences Research on surrogacy law and practice in South Australia Independent statutory review of the Ageing and Adult Safeguarding Act South Australian Law Foundation project examining Communication Partner model As Deputy Director of SALRI, Dr Plater oversees major inquiries into difficult legal topics with Professor John Williams (Director) and Louise Scarman (EO). SALRI's work emphasizes inclusive engagement with regional and Indigenous communities, and many of its reports have led to significant legislative changes in South Australia. He has been instrumental in SALRI references on succession law, surrogacy, provocation issues, abortion, powers of attorney, and adult safeguarding.
Dr. Declan Fahie is a Lecturer in the School of Education at University College Dublin (UCD), where he also serves as Director of School Placement on the Professional Masters in Education. A former primary school teacher, his research focuses on workplace bullying dynamics, queer theory in education, teacher diversity and equality, and organizational cultures in educational settings. He holds a prestigious Irish Research Council Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2012) and a Royal Irish Academy Mobility Award (2014), which supported his work as a Visiting Scholar at CUNY’s Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies. Fahie has coordinated modules such as Schools and Society , Students Schools & Society , and CSPE Methodologies , reflecting his commitment to bridging theory and practice in teacher education. His research spans international collaborations, including studies on early childhood care in Ethiopia and bullying in Irish HEIs. Fahie’s work emphasizes systemic critiques of educational institutions, particularly regarding equity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the psychological impacts of toxic leadership and workplace bullying. He has advised trade unions and NGOs on conflict resolution and contributed to policy discussions through his role on the Teaching Council. Key Awards: IRC Post-Doctoral Fellowship, RIA Mobility Award, CUNY Visiting Scholar Research Themes: Workplace Bullying (HEI/Primary School Contexts), Queer Pedagogy, Teacher Wellbeing, Organizational Toxicity Professional Engagement: Teaching Council Membership, Anti-Bullying Advocacy, Curriculum Development Leadership Recent publications highlight his interdisciplinary approach, integrating philosophy (e.g., virtue ethics frameworks) with empirical research on bystander behaviors and institutional accountability. His edited volumes, such as Queer Teaching: Teaching Queer , underscore his commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ visibility in education.
Associate Professor Yun Lou is a Full-time Faculty member and Associate Dean (Research) at the School of Accountancy (SOA), Singapore Management University (SMU). She holds a PhD in Accounting from London Business School (2012). Her research focuses on debt contracting mechanisms and corporate disclosure strategies, with publications in top journals like Journal of Accounting Research and Management Science . She teaches courses on Accounting Thought, Governance, and Financial Statement Analysis. Education : PhD in Accounting, London Business School, 2012 Research Interests : Examines how corporate disclosure practices interact with debt contracts, exploring topics like litigation disclosures' impact on bond terms, accounting quality's role in debt markets, and governance mechanisms driving transparency. Her work bridges accounting information systems, executive compensation, and financial intermediation challenges. Awards : Tier 2 Academic Research Fund (AcRF), MOE Singapore SMU School of Accountancy Research Award (2018 and 2020) Grants & Advising : Guides PhD candidates in accounting research, including Cao Huijing (DBA) and Zhao Yuan (PhD). Her research is supported by Singapore's Ministry of Education funding. Labs/Teams : Contributes to SMU's strategic priorities in Digital Transformation and Sustainable Living through research on corporate governance frameworks and financial reporting innovations.
Anna Jarosz-Wilkołazka , Professor of Biological Sciences at the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin, is affiliated with the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology and leads research at the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology . With expertise spanning fungal enzymes, microbial polymers, and biomaterial modification, her work bridges biochemistry, biotechnology, and environmental science. Current research focuses on biocatalysis in aqueous/non-aqueous systems , fungal enzyme applications (particularly laccases), and the characterization of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from bacteria and algae for biosorption and bioflocculation. She has coordinated major research projects including "Modification of biopolymer materials with protease inhibitors" (NCN OPUS 13, 2017-2022) and "Oxalate oxidase in Abortiporus biennis" (NCN Opus 5, 2015-2019). Her recent publications (2016-2023) highlight advancements in fungal laccase immobilization for pollutant removal, EPS applications for heavy metal biosorption, and novel bioactive dyes. A 2023 study investigated oxalate oxidase sources in wood-rotting fungi, while 2020 work explored EPS from endophytic Fusarium culmorum strains affecting cereal crops. Earlier studies focused on lignin degradation mechanisms (2017) and EPS-driven biomineralization (2016). As a scientific supervisor, she has guided NCN projects on Rhodococcus opacus EPS properties (2016-2021) and fungal enzyme immobilization techniques (2015-2018). She actively participates in science outreach through initiatives like the Mobile Science Festival and Design Thinking Week under Erasmus+.
Adrian Murphy is Professor of Aeronautical Engineering and Dean of Research at Queen's University Belfast's School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He joined the university in 2002 and holds a PhD from Queen's University Belfast, an MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design from Cranfield University, and a BEng in Aeronautical Engineering. His research focuses on developing predictive models and optimization strategies for complex engineering challenges. Research Interests: Professor Murphy specializes in structural design methodologies, multiphysics simulation techniques, and advanced manufacturing processes. His work integrates computational models with experimental validation across aerospace, automotive and energy sectors. Key focus areas include composite material behavior, aircraft structural integrity, lightning strike protection systems, and interdisciplinary optimization workflows. Professional Leadership: He chairs the Royal Aeronautical Society Structures and Materials Specialist committee and serves on the ESDU Aerospace Structures Committee. His industry collaborations have secured numerous competitive research grants focusing on novel aerospace structures and manufacturing innovation. Awards & Recognition: IMechE Thomas Hawksley Medal (2006) Kenneth Harris James Prize (2006) SAGE Best Paper Award (2012) IMechE/NAFEMS Simulation Award (2023) Academic Supervision: Actively accepts PhD candidates for projects involving experimental and simulation-based research in structural design, optimization, and multiphysics modeling. Manages multiple ongoing research initiatives including Target-H2 fuel cell development and next-generation aerospace certification methods.
doc. dr Siniša Cvijić is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, University of Banja Luka. His research focuses on urban planning, cultural heritage preservation, and architectural history. He leads projects on heritage documentation using modern geodetic technologies and has contributed to studies on Austro-Hungarian military buildings, urban regeneration strategies, and cultural tourism potential. Key projects include 'Documentation of Architectural Cultural Heritage at Archaeological Sites Using Modern Geodetic Technologies' (2024-2025). He actively participates in international conferences, presenting on topics like rural settlement regeneration and city branding through cultural figures. His work bridges historical architectural analysis with contemporary urban challenges, emphasizing sustainable preservation and community-oriented development. Publications span journals like Buildings and SPATIUM International Review , addressing themes such as urban health landscapes, military building repurposing, and energy efficiency in historic structures. He collaborates with institutions like the Technical Institute of Bijeljina and has co-authored a notable monograph on interwar residential architecture in Banja Luka.
Prof. Dr. Kamile Nazan TURHAN is a Professor of Food Engineering at Izmir University of Economics, Turkey. She serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology and Food Science and Head of the Department of Food Engineering. Her academic career includes roles at Mersin University and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Wisconsin, USA. Education: Ph.D. in Food Engineering, Hacettepe University (1999) M.S. in Food Engineering, Hacettepe University (1994) B.Sc. in Food Engineering, Hacettepe University (1991) Research Interests: Prof. TURHAN's work focuses on edible food packaging materials, antimicrobial and biodegradable films, food protection, and preservation. Her research emphasizes sustainable solutions for food safety, including applications in fruit preservation and dairy product packaging. Recent Trends in Publications: Her recent work explores neuromarketing applications in gastronomy, cross-cultural food design collaborations, and antimicrobial packaging innovations. Earlier studies highlight advancements in whey protein utilization and material science for food packaging. Administrative Roles: Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Technology and Food Science (2012–present) Head, Department of Food Engineering (2012–present) Acting School Director, School of Applied Management Sciences (2013–2015) Labs & Teams: Her research groups collaborate on projects involving edible film development, food preservation technologies, and interdisciplinary food design initiatives.
Soumya Ramu is a researcher affiliated with the University of Queensland's Frazer Institute, focusing on antimicrobial drug discovery and antibiotic development. Her work spans antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic compounds with an emphasis on overcoming antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Research Interests: Ms. Ramu's research includes developing novel antibiotics against drug-resistant bacteria, evaluating existing drugs for repurposing (e.g., cannabidiol), and studying chemical agents targeting biofilm-associated infections. She explores metal-ion complexation effects on antibiotic activity and investigates mechanisms of bacterial resistance. Collaborations: Her work involves interdisciplinary teams across medicinal chemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology, collaborating with institutions like the Translational Research Institute and global researchers in antibiotic development. Publications: Ramu's 24+ journal articles and conference papers (2012-2022) highlight contributions to antibiotic design, resistance mechanisms, and drug-activity optimization. Key topics include lipoglycopeptides for biofilm infections, platinum-based antibacterial complexes, and minor groove binder therapeutics.
J. B. Ruhl serves as the David Daniels Allen Distinguished Chair in Law at Vanderbilt University School of Law, where he has established himself as a leading scholar at the intersection of environmental law, climate policy, and complexity theory. His interdisciplinary work bridges legal doctrine with ecological and systems science, focusing on adaptive governance frameworks for 21st-century environmental challenges. Ruhl's research centers on transforming environmental law to address climate change through innovative frameworks like ecosystem services integration , adaptive management , and complexity theory . His scholarship demonstrates how legal systems can evolve to manage nonstationary environments, particularly through reimagining regulatory approaches for climate adaptation infrastructure, endangered species protections, and sustainable development. Key contributions include foundational work on legal complexity metrics and the application of panarchy theory to environmental governance. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a pronounced shift toward climate disruption law , with increasing focus on 4°C scenarios, Green New Deal implementation challenges, and pandemic-environmental system interactions. His work consistently identifies structural barriers in existing environmental statutes while proposing concrete administrative reforms - particularly regarding permitting systems, regulatory flexibility, and cross-agency coordination. The trajectory shows growing emphasis on practical implementation frameworks rather than theoretical critiques. Ruhl maintains extensive collaborative networks across environmental law, with frequent co-authorship with scholars like James Salzman, Robin Craig, and Keith Hirokawa. His work appears in premier journals including Vanderbilt Law Review , Environmental Law , and Stanford Environmental Law Journal , demonstrating sustained influence in both legal and environmental policy circles. Current research increasingly engages with computational legal studies and systemic risk modeling, reflecting his pioneering integration of complexity science into legal scholarship.
Rajeev Jaiman is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Applied Science. A graduate of IIT Bombay (B.Tech) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (M.S., Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering), he holds the NSERC/Seaspan Industrial Research Chair in Intelligent and Green Marine Vessels (IGMVs) and is recognized as a SNAME Fellow. PhD in Aerospace Engineering from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Senior Member of AIAA and member of APS, ASME, SNAME, and USACM His research focuses on fluid-structure interaction , computational mechanics , and data-driven modeling for marine/aerospace applications. Current work includes: High-fidelity multiphysics simulations Machine learning integration for fluid dynamics Phase-field methods for interface capturing Bio-inspired structural optimization Flow control techniques for vortex-induced vibration Recent publications emphasize graph neural networks for fluid dynamics prediction, phase-field modeling of complex interactions, and machine learning applications in multiphase flows. Research trends show strong interdisciplinary connections between computational mechanics, ocean engineering, and data science. Scientific awards include: NSERC/Seaspan Industrial Research Chair Fellow of The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) As director of the Computational Multiphysics Laboratory, he develops high-performance computing frameworks for marine , aerospace , and biomechanics applications. His work spans numerical algorithms, HPC-based solvers, and bio-inspired design optimization.
Dr. Ula Merie is an Associate at the GIGA Institute for Middle East Studies, part of the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA). Her work focuses on architectural humanities, post-war urban development, spatial justice, and the intersection of politics and ethics in urban environments. She holds a PhD in Architectural Theory from the University of Sheffield and an MSc in Urban Design from the University of Baghdad. Dr. Merie is actively involved in initiatives such as the Epidemic Urbanism Initiative and the Nahrein Network. Her research emphasizes Iraq and the broader Middle East, addressing topics like urban heritage preservation, socio-cultural transformations in cities, and youth engagement in safeguarding cultural heritage. She has been recognized with the IAICS Pioneer Awards in 2022. Her current roles include serving on the management committee of the Nahrein Network and contributing to the Academic Research Institute in Iraq (TARII) as a Research Fellow (2022-2023). Dr. Merie has presented at conferences such as Heritage in Danger and IAICS Inline, discussing issues like heritage reconstruction and urban equity. Her work bridges architectural theory with practical urban challenges, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
