Find Academic Supervisors

Heidi TworekView profile

Professor

• History of Communications
• Digital Governance
• Democracy Studies
• +6 more

Professor Heidi Tworek is a Canada Research Chair and Professor of History at the University of British Columbia, where she directs the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions. She serves as co-editor of the Journal of Global History and is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation. Her interdisciplinary work bridges historical research with contemporary policy challenges in communications and democracy. Dr. Tworek's research focuses on how communications technologies affect democracy, both historically and in the present. Her expertise spans the history of media, digital governance, health communications, and foreign interference in democratic processes. She has demonstrated how historical patterns in media power and information ecosystems inform current challenges with digital platforms and disinformation. Her research output shows consistent engagement with both historical analysis and contemporary policy issues. Recent work examines health misinformation, Canada's digital dependence, and comparative election security challenges, while her foundational scholarship on early 20th century communications infrastructure provides critical historical context for understanding today's digital landscape. Elected Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (2025) Canada Research Chair in history and policy of communications Regular contributor to major media outlets including Foreign Affairs, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Politico, CNN, and The New York Times As an advisor to policymakers globally, Dr. Tworek bridges academic research with practical governance challenges, particularly regarding democratic resilience in the digital age. Her leadership of UBC's Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions positions her at the intersection of historical scholarship and contemporary democratic challenges.

• Epigenetics
• Behavioral Genetics
• Population Genetics
• +4 more

Valentine Chapelle is a researcher specializing in epigenetics, behavioral genetics, and population genetics with an impressive h-index of 41. They recently completed their PhD in March 2023 with a dissertation titled "Adaptation and evolution with low genetic diversity: a combined field and laboratory study on DNA methylation variation in the mangrove rivulus Kryptolebias marmoratus." Chapelle has served as Principal Investigator on research projects investigating the epigenetic basis of behavioral traits in fish populations. Chapelle's research focuses on understanding how epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation, contribute to behavioral variation in animal populations with low genetic diversity. Their work integrates field studies with laboratory experiments to examine how environmental factors like methylmercury exposure affect gene expression and behavior. A key model organism in their research is the mangrove rivulus fish (Kryptolebias marmoratus), which is notable for its ability to self-fertilize and maintain genetically identical lineages. Analysis of Chapelle's recent publications reveals a strong focus on population epigenetics and the interaction between environmental toxins and behavioral traits. Their research demonstrates how early-life exposure to contaminants like methylmercury can induce reversible behavioral changes through epigenetic modifications. This work has implications for understanding how wildlife populations may adapt to environmental stressors through non-genetic mechanisms. Chapelle has led two major research projects on "The epigenetic origin of behavioral traits variability in a self-fertilizing fish: the mangrove rivulus" (2018-2020 and 2021-2022). These projects have contributed significantly to our understanding of how epigenetic variation arises in natural populations and influences behavioral phenotypes. Their publications have received substantial attention, with social media engagement and mentions in news outlets.

• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Distress (psychosis, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders)
• Physical Health (acquired brain injuries, coeliac disease)
• +8 more

Dr. Debora Antoniotti de Vasconcelos e Sa is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychology, Sport and Sensory Science within Anglia Ruskin University . A chartered psychologist (British Psychological Society #237718, Portuguese Board of Psychologists #23511), she specializes in family caregiving dynamics, mental health distress, and clinical interventions. Her research explores interpersonal interactions in psychosis, using Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM) and Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). PhD in Clinical Psychology, University of Manchester (2014) Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (Anglia Ruskin University, 2017) Postgraduate Diploma in Systemic Family Therapy, Autonoma University of Lisbon (2003) BSc (Hons) in Psychology, University of Lisbon (2001) Her work examines how family caregivers' mental health is impacted by their care recipients' conditions, focusing on variables like Expressed Emotion , attribution patterns , and behavioral control mechanisms . Debora has pioneered research on remote mindfulness interventions for Parkinson's disease and investigated systemic factors influencing outcomes in schizophrenia through clinical formulation and therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy . Recent publications highlight her expertise in psychosis (2012-2021), with a methodological focus on experience sampling (2013-2016) and digital interventions for neurodegenerative diseases (2017, 2021). Her work spans both qualitative and quantitative research paradigms, emphasizing practical applications in clinical settings. Member of ARU Centre for Mind and Behaviour Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and German Teaches modules on clinical psychology, mental health formulation, and psychological therapies Active in public engagement via media appearances (BBC, The Guardian) and webinars

Wolfgang KönigView profile

Professor

• Probability Theory
• Stochastic Processes
• Large Deviations
• +3 more

Wolfgang König is a full Professor of Probability Theory at the Institute of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Technische Universität Berlin, and leads the research group Stochastic Systems with Interaction at the Weierstraß Institute for Applied Analysis and Stochastics (WIAS Berlin). His research focuses on probability theory and its applications in statistical physics and telecommunications. Education 1984–1989: Diplom in Mathematik, Technische Universität Berlin 1994: Dr. Phil, Universität Zürich 2000: Habilitation, Technische Universität Berlin Research Interests Professor König's work spans: Stochastic processes and large deviations Parabolic Anderson model and random media Statistical mechanics of interacting particle systems Probabilistic methods in telecommunications Branching processes in random environments Publications His recent publications (2019–2025) explore large deviations in sparse networks, Bose gas physics, stochastic PDEs, and applications of probability in telecommunications. Works consistently demonstrate rigorous mathematical analysis of complex physical systems. Grants DFG Priority Programme 2265: Random Geometric Systems DFG Collaborative Research Center 1114: Scaling Cascades in Complex Systems DFG Research Unit 2402: Rough paths, stochastic partial differential equations Research Groups Leads the Stochastic Systems with Interaction group at WIAS Berlin and coordinates the IRTG 2544 Stochastic Analysis in Interaction graduate school.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Network Security
• +7 more

Johng-CHern Chern is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science within the College of Arts & Sciences at Chicago State University. His academic work spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, network security, and image processing, with a strong emphasis on practical applications in education, security, and multimedia systems. Research Interests: Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning Machine Learning for Fraud Detection Network and Information Security Image and Video Processing Human-Computer Interaction and Educational Technology Defensive Programming and Cybersecurity Education His recent publications reflect a trend toward integrating deep learning with real-world problems such as low-light image enhancement, financial fraud detection, and secure wireless networks. His earlier work includes foundational contributions to database interfaces, genetic algorithms, and medical decision support systems, showing a long-standing interdisciplinary focus. Professional Memberships: Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) Dr. Chern has also contributed to STEM education through hands-on lab design and online tutoring systems. While no formal advising or grant information is listed, his extensive publication record and conference participation demonstrate sustained scholarly activity. He is involved in both technical research and pedagogical innovation, particularly in computing education and cybersecurity curriculum development.

Hessel WijkstraView profile

Professor

• Medical Imaging
• Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound
• Prostate Cancer
• +5 more

Hessel Wijkstra is a Full Professor in the Signal Processing Systems Group at Eindhoven University of Technology and a principal investigator in the Department of Urology at Amsterdam University Medical Center (AMC). He bridges engineering and clinical medicine, focusing on advanced medical imaging technologies. Academic Background : MSc and PhD in Electrical Engineering from Twente University. Research Focus : Clinical validation of imaging technologies, particularly contrast-enhanced ultrasound for prostate cancer and renal cell carcinoma . Key Contributions : Development of dispersion imaging techniques, super-resolution ultrasound , and machine learning for cancer diagnostics. Collaborations : Long-standing partnership with Massimo Mischi since 2010, integrating engineering and urology. Scientific Awards : EFSUMB Young Investigator Award (2019) Media Engagement : Frequent expert commentary on nanobubbles , AI in imaging , and ultrasound advancements (2018-2023).

Mark PereiraView profile

Professor

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Physical Activity
• +5 more

Mark Pereira is a Professor at the University of Minnesota within the Division of Epidemiology & Community Health. His research focuses on the etiology, epidemiology, and prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease , emphasizing the interplay between lifestyle factors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, nutrition) and environmental conditions like urban greenspace access to reduce chronic disease burdens. Research Interests span diverse areas including: Advancing understanding of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease mechanisms Evaluating lifestyle interventions via wearable technology and social media Methodological critiques of food processing in nutritional epidemiology Advocating for standardized definitions in whole-grain food research Investigating genetic heterogeneity in diabetes across populations Awards include the 2012 Outstanding Faculty Award from the University of Minnesota Council of Graduate Students.

Benjamin GiguèreView profile

Associate Professor

• Applied Social Psychology
• Intergroup Relations
• Biculturalism
• +7 more

Benjamin Giguère serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Guelph, where he conducts research on socio-cultural influences on human behavior. His work spans three interconnected domains: health and well-being (particularly regarding binge drinking, procrastination, and addictive behaviors), immigration and biculturalism (focusing on normative conflicts among immigrant youth), and collective actions (including political demonstrations and social movements). He maintains active research programs examining ethnolinguistic vitality in Francophone communities outside Quebec and social norm dynamics in diverse populations. His research interests center on understanding how socio-cultural groups shape thoughts, emotions, and behaviors through social cognitive processes. Key areas include identity formation from cultural groups, the impact of group membership on motivation and behavior regulation, and interventions to change dysfunctional group processes. He employs both basic research approaches yielding scholarly publications and applied program evaluations for community initiatives, bridging academic research with real-world implementation. His recent publications (2020-2023) reveal strong emphasis on digital social environments, refugee adaptation, intergenerational dynamics in immigrant families, and identity-based mental health protection. The work consistently applies social identity and normative frameworks across diverse contexts from social media influences to political campaigning. Giguère actively supervises graduate students in Applied Social Psychology and Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology programs, with former students securing prestigious SSHRC and CIHR awards. He teaches undergraduate courses including Introduction to Psychology, Cross-Cultural Psychology, and Psychology of Social Groups, plus graduate courses on Applied Social Psychology Interventions and Community, Culture and Global Citizenship.

• Semiconductor Materials
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Engineering
• +6 more

Sang M. Han is a Regents' Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of New Mexico (UNM). He earned his PhD and BS in Chemical Engineering from UC Santa Barbara and UC Berkeley, respectively, and has over 25 years of experience in electronic and photonic materials engineering. PhD, Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara BS, Chemical Engineering with Honors, University of California, Berkeley Research Interests Selective growth of Ge quantum structures and high-quality heteroepitaxial films on Si III-V integration on Ge-on-Si virtual substrates for photovoltaics and sensors Hybrid micro/nanofluidic systems for bioseparation Nanocrystal synthesis for optical and biological applications Publication Trends Recent articles focus on carbon nanotube-reinforced composites for solar cell durability, stress-directed nanostructure patterning for light trapping, and radiative cooling coatings. His work spans semiconductor heterostructures, nanofluidics, and computational modeling of material behavior. Scientific Awards STC.UNM Innovation Fellow (2018) STC.UNM Innovation Award (2009–2018) Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship (2012, 2014, 2015) NSF CAREER Award (2001) Advising and Entrepreneurship Professor Han has mentored graduate students and postdocs in his research group and serves as Chief Technical Officer of Osazda Energy LLC, a startup based on his UNM patents.

Igor SmolyarenkoView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Random Matrix Theory
• Complex Networks
• Quantum Chaos
• +3 more

Dr. Igor Smolyarenko serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at Brunel University London within the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, contributing to theoretical physics and applied mathematics research for over three decades. His academic credentials include: PhD in Theoretical Physics from Harvard University (1997) Diploma (MSc equivalent) from Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys (1987) Research centers on Random Matrix Theory with applications in quantum chaos , statistical mechanics , and number theory , complemented by investigations into wave propagation in disordered media and mesoscopic systems . His recent work extends to complex network theory , developing fitness-based growth models and analyzing power-law distributions. This interdisciplinary approach bridges mathematical physics with network science to decode statistical properties of complex systems. Publication trends from 1988-2020 reveal evolving focus: early work on superconductivity and Kondo effects transitioned to parametric spectral correlations in the 2000s, culminating in contemporary network science contributions examining structural universality and growth dynamics in complex networks. Dr. Smolyarenko collaborates through the BURST research group at Brunel, maintaining active engagement in theoretical physics and network science communities without indications of advisory roles or grant funding in available materials.

• Calculus of variations
• Partial differential equations
• Geometric measure theory
• +4 more

Filippo Cagnetti is an Associate Professor (Professore di II fascia) in the Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences at the University of Parma , Italy. He regularly teaches foundational courses such as Calculus 2A and Mathematical Analysis A to first- and second-year students enrolled in Mathematics, Geological Sciences (Earth Sciences), and Management Engineering degree programmes, spanning academic years from 2023/2024 through 2025/2026. His research lies at the intersection of calculus of variations , partial differential equations , and geometric measure theory . A recurrent theme is the rigorous derivation of effective models for materials with microstructures via deterministic and stochastic homogenisation , particularly for free-discontinuity problems that describe brittle fracture. Parallel efforts focus on symmetrisation inequalities (Pólya–Szegö, Steiner, Schwarz, Gaussian) and their rigidity properties: under which geometric or analytic conditions equality in an inequality forces the domain to be symmetric or even trivial. Over the past decade his publication portfolio shows a clear evolution from foundational results on viscosity solutions and large-time behaviour of Hamilton–Jacobi equations to highly specialised contributions on Korn- and Poincaré-Korn-type inequalities in spaces of special functions of bounded deformation (GSBD), and on optimal regularity of free boundaries in cohesive fracture models. The techniques employed combine Γ-convergence, fine properties of BV and GSBD spaces, measure-theoretic arguments, and stochastic two-scale convergence. Contact: Email: filippo.cagnetti@unipr.it

Saad GulzarView profile

Associate Professor

• Political Economy
• Comparative Politics
• Environmental Governance
• +4 more

Saad Gulzar is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, holding a joint appointment in the Keough School of Global Affairs. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at Stanford University and Princeton University. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Politics from New York University (2017), master's degrees from Columbia University and the National University of Singapore, and undergraduate studies at Lahore University of Management Sciences in Pakistan. Gulzar's research focuses on political economy, comparative politics, development, and environmental governance with a regional emphasis on South Asia, including Pakistan, India, and Nepal. He investigates how government performance shapes citizens' daily lives, particularly examining politicians' and bureaucrats' management of large-scale organizations responsible for implementing social programs, providing public goods, and managing political campaigns. His recent work has expanded into environmental governance and conservation, exploring the intersection of political representation and ecological outcomes. His scholarly output reveals a strong focus on experimental and field-based research methods applied to questions of political representation, public sector performance, and environmental policy. Gulzar's work consistently bridges theoretical political science with practical policy implications, particularly in developing country contexts. His research demonstrates how political institutions, bureaucratic incentives, and citizen participation interact to shape governance outcomes in South Asia. Scientific Awards: Inaugural Rajni Kothari Best Article Prize for best article on South Asian politics Paul A. Sabatier Best Award for best conference paper on Science, Technology & Environmental Politics Lawrence Longley Award for best article on representation & electoral systems AJPS Best Paper Award for research on campaign finance Multiple Best Paper Awards from prestigious academic conferences Gulzar's research has received significant external funding from organizations including JPAL Governance Initiative, International Growth Center, and Empirical Studies of Conflict. His work has been featured in major media outlets such as The Guardian, Vox, and Nature News & Views, demonstrating the real-world impact of his scholarship. He has established productive research collaborations across multiple institutions, particularly focusing on South Asian governance questions through field experiments and large-scale data analysis. His research program includes several ambitious ongoing projects examining political representation in Nepal's decentralization process, women's political participation in Pakistan, and the ecological impacts of land records reform in India. These projects reflect his commitment to understanding how political institutions can be designed to improve governance outcomes in developing contexts.

Alan LightmanView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Physics
• Astrophysics
• Science Communication
• +3 more

Alan Lightman is a physicist, novelist, and essayist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He was the first to receive dual faculty appointments in science and the humanities at MIT and currently holds the title of Professor of the Practice of the Humanities. Lightman’s career spans theoretical physics, with research on black holes and radiative processes, and literary works such as the international bestseller Einstein’s Dreams . Educations: Princeton University, California Institute of Technology (Ph.D. in theoretical physics) Research Interests: Lightman’s work bridges theoretical physics, science communication, and philosophical explorations of time and consciousness. His novels often integrate scientific concepts with existential and ethical themes. He has contributed to discussions on the intersection of spirituality and empirical science. Publications Trends: His books and articles, including Mr g and The Transcendent Brain , explore cosmology, quantum mechanics, and the human condition through narrative and essay formats. Themes include time theory, moral philosophy, and the coexistence of scientific and spiritual worldviews. Scientific Awards: Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Six honorary doctorates Advising and Grants: While specific students and grants are unmentioned, Lightman’s dual MIT appointments and leadership in the Graduate Program in Science Writing highlight his interdisciplinary mentorship. He founded the Harpswell Foundation to empower women leaders in Southeast Asia. Labs and Teams: The text does not detail specific labs, but his affiliations with MIT’s Comparative Media Studies/Writing and Science Writing programs indicate active collaboration in academic and literary circles.

Osman YaganView profile

Research Professor

• Communication Systems
• Network Science
• Cyber-Physical Systems
• +16 more

Osman Yagan is a Research Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), with affiliate roles in the School of Computer Science and core membership in CyLab Security and Privacy Institute, IDeaS, and Block Center. His research spans modeling, analysis, and optimization of computing systems using tools from applied probability, network science, and machine learning. PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland (2011) BS in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Middle East Technical University (2007) Research Interests: Dr. Yagan focuses on statistical inference , resilient distributed machine learning , robustness of cyber-physical systems , secure IoT networks , and contagion processes in complex networks, including misinformation spread and epidemic modeling. His work integrates multi-armed bandit algorithms , reinforcement learning , and stochastic geometry . Scientific Contributions: He has received multiple fellowships (CIT Dean’s Early Career, IBM Academic Award), best paper awards (ICC 2021, IPSN 2022, ASONAM 2023), and co-authored 15+ recent articles on topics like federated learning, contagion dynamics, and network robustness. His research is funded by ONR, NSF, ARO, AFOSR, and industry grants. Advising: Dr. Yagan has mentored 23 PhD and Master’s students, including junior faculty at Nanyang Technological University and researchers at Meta, Intel, Bloomberg, and MIT. He has taught courses such as Advanced Probability & Statistics for Engineers and Applied Stochastic Processes. Collaborations: He works with institutions including Princeton, MIT, and industry partners like IBM and Intel, and is a Senior Member of IEEE.

Eric CorwinView profile

Professor

• Soft Condensed Matter
• Granular Materials
• Jamming
• +3 more

Eric Corwin is a Professor of Physics at the University of Oregon, College of Arts and Sciences. He has been at UO since 2010, conducting research in soft condensed matter physics with a focus on granular materials, jamming, and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. Education: Ph.D., University of Chicago, 2007 Corwin employs experimental, simulational, and theoretical tools to study complex systems arising from simple interactions. His work addresses fundamental questions in the glass transition, jamming, and the behavior of granular materials, with implications for material design and biophysics. Analysis of his recent publications (2021-2025) reveals three dominant themes: (1) extreme diffusion and outlier statistics in many-particle systems, (2) mechanical stability of ultra-low density sphere packings (Dionysian packing), and (3) scaling relations in jamming critical phenomena, including high-dimensional prefactors. Leading the CORWIN LAB, Corwin explores how simple interactions generate complex behavior. Current projects include Dionysian Packing for lightweight materials, Extreme Diffusion frameworks for environmental fluctuations, and computational studies of jamming in high dimensions.