Find Academic Supervisors

Kristina Wenzel EganView profile

Assistant Professor

• Health Communication
• Interpersonal Communication
• Narrative Analysis
• +3 more

Kristina Wenzel Egan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of St. Thomas' College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a PhD in Family Communication from the University of Missouri, an MA in Organizational Communication from North Dakota State University, and a BA in Business Administration with a Communication concentration from the University of St. Thomas, complemented by a minor in Women's Studies. Her research focuses on health and interpersonal communication, particularly how individuals navigate storytelling and narrative construction during health challenges. She employs qualitative methods like ethnography, narrative analysis, and the Retrospective Interview Technique to examine communication patterns in healthcare contexts, eldercare relationships, and family dynamics. Her work emphasizes transitions in health experiences and aims to improve communication competency among patients, families, and healthcare providers. Egan has published extensively on topics such as privacy management in eldercare, narrative explanations of caregiving, and interdisciplinary study abroad course design. She teaches courses like Interpersonal Communication and actively contributes to the university's CAS Experience programs. Her research demonstrates a commitment to understanding communication's role in fostering supportive relationships during life's most challenging moments. Her educational background spans multiple institutions, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to communication studies. She is affiliated with the Communication Studies department and contributes to the broader academic community through peer-reviewed publications and pedagogical innovations.

• Migration Studies
• Temporary Foreign Worker Programs
• Labour Relations
• +7 more

Aida Geraldina Polanco Sorto is an Associate Professor in the Department of Labour Studies at McMaster University's Faculty of Social Sciences. Her academic work critically examines the intersection of migration, labor, and globalization, with particular focus on temporary foreign worker programs and their implications for workers' rights and social citizenship in contemporary labor markets. Dr. Polanco Sorto's educational background reflects strong foundations in sociological theory and research: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sociology (First Class) from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Master of Arts in Sociology from Concordia University, Montreal PhD in Sociology from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Her research program spans multiple interconnected fields including Migration Studies, Temporary Foreign Worker Programs, Labour Relations, Sociology of Work, Cultural Studies, Gender and Sexuality, and Globalization. Dr. Polanco Sorto's scholarship reveals how national governments actively produce 'culturally tailored' migrant workers for specific labor markets, creating systems of labor unfreedom that challenge traditional notions of citizenship. Her work particularly examines service sectors like fast food where temporary foreign workers are increasingly prevalent, analyzing the mechanisms of labor control and the production of precarious work conditions within immigration regimes. Dr. Polanco Sorto's scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with pressing issues in migration and labor studies over the past two decades. Her publications reveal an evolving trajectory from early work on religious institutions and worker rights to sophisticated analyses of contemporary migration regimes. A clear pattern emerges across her research showing how states actively brand national workforces, how language policies regulate migrant mobility, and how citizenship aspirations are leveraged to maintain labor control within precarious immigration schemes. Dr. Polanco Sorto maintains an active teaching schedule with courses spanning both undergraduate and graduate levels. Her course offerings include Methods (LABRST 715), Sociology of Immigration (SOCIOL 728), Labour and Globalization (WORKLABR 2G03), On the Move: Workers in a Global World (WORKLABR 3K03), and Work in Flux: The Gig Economy, the Corporate Ladder, and Changing Labour Markets (SOCIOL 4V03), with teaching activities documented through 2025. Her curriculum reflects direct connections between her research expertise and pedagogical approach, preparing students to critically analyze the complex dynamics of contemporary labor markets in an increasingly globalized world.

Charles InsleyView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Medieval History
• Anglo-Saxon History
• Welsh History
• +3 more

Dr Charles Insley is a Senior Lecturer in Medieval History at the University of Manchester since 2012, following previous academic positions at Canterbury Christ Church, Northampton, and Bangor Universities since 1995. He served as Head of the History Department at Manchester from 2018 to 2021. His research focuses on the Atlantic Archipelago during the earlier Middle Ages (c. 800–1100), emphasizing queens and elite women, intercultural exchanges around the Irish Sea, and state formation. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society since 2004 and has held roles such as External Examiner at Canterbury Christ Church University (2021–2025). Charles Insley earned his undergraduate and doctoral degrees from the University of Oxford, completing his D.Phil. in Medieval History in 1998 with a thesis on the pre-Norman Conquest archive of Exeter Cathedral. Dr Insley’s research interests are centered on the Atlantic Archipelago between c. 800 and c. 1150, particularly exploring political and social dynamics, state formation, and intercultural connections across Britain and Ireland. He has published extensively on Anglo-Saxon charters, including a biography of Athelstan (2023), the first king of the English, and has investigated topics such as the languages of boundaries in Cornish charters and the political culture of early medieval England. His current projects include a comparative study of elite women in the ninth to eleventh centuries and convening the Irish Sea in the Middle Ages research network with colleagues from Liverpool, Lancaster, and other institutions. His publications reflect a thematic focus on state formation, intercultural exchanges, and the analysis of medieval documents. Recent work explores naval strategies in Anglo-Saxon England, the socio-political landscape of the Irish Sea world, and the intersection of language and territorial boundaries in Cornish charters. Earlier studies investigate the legacy of the year 1016 under Cnut’s reign and the political culture of early medieval governance. Charles Insley holds the Fellowship of the Royal Historical Society since 2004, recognizing his contributions to historical scholarship. He is also a member of the Programming Committee of the International Medieval Congress. In terms of advising and academic leadership, Dr Insley co-supervises Katherine Fliegel’s Ph.D. research on male cross-dressing and religion in Anglo-Saxon England. He has been an External Examiner at Canterbury Christ Church University (2021–2025) and actively participates in professional bodies such as the Programming Committee of the International Medieval Congress. His involvement in research networks like The Irish Sea in the Middle Ages highlights his commitment to collaborative scholarship. Charles Insley is a key member of The Irish Sea in the Middle Ages research network, alongside Dr Marios Costambeys, Dr Clare Downham (Liverpool), and Dr Fiona Edmonds (Lancaster), fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in this field.

Vincent ConitzerView profile

Professor

• Game Theory
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computational Social Choice
• +7 more

Vincent Conitzer is a Professor in the Computer Science Department at Carnegie Mellon University, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Philosophy. His research intersects artificial intelligence, game theory, and ethics, focusing on computational social choice, moral decision-making in AI, and mechanism design. Primary Affiliation: Computer Science Department, Carnegie Mellon University Courtesy Appointment: Department of Philosophy, Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences Labs: Affiliated with the Laboratory for Symbolic and Educational Computing His work addresses game theory , ethical AI , and computational epistemology , with publications exploring moral preference elicitation, strategic behavior in automated systems, and the intersection of economics and artificial intelligence. Recent trends in his publications include game theory , AI ethics , mechanism design , and computational social choice , reflecting his focus on aligning AI systems with human values and strategic reasoning. Vincent's research spans both theoretical and applied domains, including bioethics (e.g., kidney allocation decisions), cooperative AI, and the stability of moral preferences in algorithmic systems. He is associated with the Laboratory for Symbolic and Educational Computing and the Center for Formal Epistemology , contributing to interdisciplinary projects at the interface of computer science and philosophy.

Amber MooreView profile

Assistant Professor

• Trauma Literature Pedagogy
• Feminist Pedagogies
• YA Literature
• +3 more

Amber Moore is Assistant Professor of Teaching in Library, Literacy, and Teacher Education at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Education. Her research examines adolescent literacies, feminist pedagogies, and representations of sexual violence in young adult literature and popular culture. Moore investigates how trauma literature, particularly sexual assault narratives, is taught in English education and teacher preparation programs. Her scholarship employs arts-based methodologies including poetic inquiry to explore teacher candidates' responses to difficult content and fanfiction as a form of critical engagement. Research emphases include rape culture in educational contexts, feminist media analysis of Riverdale and Hallmark narratives, and pedagogical approaches to trauma literature. Recent publications explore allyship in fanfiction communities, epistolary education, and affective responses to YA sexual assault narratives.

David WiensView profile

Associate Professor

• Political Philosophy
• Philosophy of Social Science
• Political Economy
• +3 more

David Wiens is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of California, San Diego, with affiliations in Philosophy, Data Science, and Ethics. He holds a PhD in Philosophy (University of Michigan, 2011) and MA degrees in Political Science (2011) and Philosophy (2006). His research integrates political philosophy, social science, and political economy, focusing on formal models of justice, institutional design, and feasibility analysis. Wiens co-edits the journal Politics, Philosophy, and Economics and has presented at leading conferences globally. Education : PhD, Philosophy, University of Michigan (2011) MA, Political Science, University of Michigan (2011) MA, Philosophy, Texas A&M University (2006) BA, Philosophy and History, Brock University (2004) Research Interests : Wiens explores the intersection of ideal and non-ideal theory, emphasizing how formal models inform ethical and political inquiry. Key themes include justice under constraints, institutional stability, and the critique of epistocracy. His work bridges philosophy and social science, with applications to global justice, resource distribution, and democratic theory. Advising & Grants : Wiens has supervised multiple PhD and MA theses, including Matthew Draper and Shelbi Swanson. His service roles include Political Theory Field Coordinator at UCSD and editorial leadership in PPE. While no explicit grants are listed, his research reflects sustained institutional support. Labs/Teams : Affiliated with the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute and Computational Social Science Program, Wiens collaborates on interdisciplinary projects linking political theory with quantitative methods.

Mahmoud AlfadelView profile

Assistant Professor

• Software Ecosystems
• Software Releases
• Build Systems
• +5 more

Mahmoud Alfadel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Science. His research focuses on software ecosystems, build systems, security vulnerabilities, and mining software repositories. He holds a PhD in Software Engineering from Concordia University (2021), an M.S. from KFUPM (2017), and a B.S. from Damascus University (2013). Education: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Damascus University (2013) Master of Science in Software Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM, 2017) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Software Engineering, Concordia University (2021) His research emphasizes empirical studies in DevOps practices, continuous integration, and software security. Recent work explores vulnerability lifecycle analysis in Golang, fuzz testing adoption in open-source projects, and dependency-induced waste in CI pipelines. His publications reflect a focus on improving software quality and security through automated tools and empirical analysis. Awards and Grants: No specific awards or grants are listed in the profile. His work is supported through empirical studies and academic collaborations. Advising and Labs: No student advisees or specific lab affiliations are noted in the provided materials. His research is likely conducted through collaborative projects with students and industry partners.

Breanne WylieView profile

Assistant Professor

• Developmental Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Child Witness Testimony
• +3 more

Breanne Wylie is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at NC State University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Her research focuses on adult-child communication within legal contexts, particularly improving children’s accurate reporting of maltreatment experiences during interviews by legal professionals. She employs multi-method approaches including lab-based tasks to assess linguistic development and field-based analysis of child witness testimonies. Dr. Wylie emphasizes knowledge mobilization, collaborating with practitioners to provide evidence-based training. Her research interests span developmental psychology, forensic psychology, and legal communication. She investigates how children’s cognitive and linguistic abilities influence their interactions with legal systems, aiming to enhance forensic interviewing practices and reduce misunderstandings in judicial contexts. Key areas include the impact of question phrasing, parental support roles, and jurors’ perceptions of child testimony credibility. Recent publications (2025-2023) highlight trends in analyzing defense attorneys’ questioning tactics, improving forensic interviewer training, and exploring how language nuances affect child witnesses’ reliability. Her work underscores the need for standardized, developmentally appropriate legal questioning methods to protect vulnerable populations. As part of the Lifespan Developmental Psychology group, she operates the Law Development Lab to bridge academic research and practical legal applications. While no formal awards are listed, her contributions reflect a commitment to impactful, applied research. Grant and advising specifics are not detailed in the provided text.

Emma PlanincView profile

Assistant Professor

• Political Theory
• Philosophy of Rousseau
• Hobbesian State Theory
• +3 more

Emma Planinc is an Assistant Professor in the Program of Liberal Studies at the University of Notre Dame, located in O'Shaughnessy Hall. Her work bridges political theory, classical philosophy, and environmental studies. She focuses on figures like Rousseau and Hobbes, exploring themes such as regeneration in political thought, interspecies politics, and the Anthropocene's implications. Her research critically examines sovereignty, humanism, and the intersection of nature and governance. Planinc's academic contributions include analyses of Rousseau's use of 'orgueil,' Hobbes' linguistic foundations of statehood, and the palingenetic consciousness in right-wing ideologies. She interrogates modern liberalism's identity crises and the figurative foundations of political discourse. Her work also engages with historical texts like Herodotus through an Anthropocene lens, reinterpreting classical thought for contemporary ecological challenges. Though no formal students or awards are listed, her prolific publications (over 20 since 2011) demonstrate active engagement with cutting-edge debates in political theory. Her writing critiques modern governance models, reimagines human-nature relationships, and challenges assumptions about sovereignty and autonomy. Current research interests include regenerative politics, interspecies ethics, and the philosophical underpinnings of ecological crises.

Rabah AoufiView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Digital Signal Processing
• Microcontroller Systems
• Control Systems
• +3 more

Rabah Aoufi is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Engineering Technology & Industrial Distribution at the College of Engineering, Texas A&M University. His primary affiliation includes the Electronic Systems Engineering Technology program. He can be reached at raoufi@tamu.edu and is located in FERM 304AA. His work focuses on digital signal processing, microcontroller systems, control systems, and engineering entrepreneurship. Research interests span embedded systems design, real-time data processing, and innovative educational projects. His publications reflect expertise in both foundational engineering principles (e.g., signal processing fundamentals) and applied technologies (e.g., microcontroller programming and big data frameworks). His articles demonstrate a career-long engagement with evolving technologies—from foundational 1980s multiprocessor architectures to modern big data systems. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided materials.

• Children’s Art
• Outsider Art
• Fake Poetry and Fine Art
• +5 more

Phil Edwards is a Lecturer in the School of Art at RMIT University, specializing in interdisciplinary art practices that explore hybridity, cultural critique, and contemporary artistic expression. His research spans children’s art, outsider art, and the intersection of fine art with everyday aesthetics. He holds a Master’s degree examining innate aesthetic tendencies in everyday object assemblages and a PhD analyzing the role of audio CDs in fine art culture. Research Interests: Edwards focuses on six core themes: children’s art/outsider art’s relationship to formal painting, fake poetry integration in visual art, alchemy as metaphor, music brut, temporality in hybrid art forms, and abstract landscape painting. His creative works often blend digital media (e.g., Instagram-based projects) with traditional techniques. Teaching & Supervision: Edwards supervises Masters and PhD students in research topics like border identity visualizations (Maria Penne’s DFA project). He actively mentors projects such as An Exploration of Zen-inspired Poetic Nature Painting and Museum of Emotion . Exhibitions & Projects: His works include installations like Museum of Platitudes AND Aphorisms and digital projects such as Continual Instagram Painting . He frequently exhibits in venues like the c3 Art Gallery and George Paton Gallery, emphasizing public engagement and conceptual depth.

• Applied Linguistics
• TESOL
• Materials Development
• +4 more

Julie Norton is an Associate Professor in Applied Linguistics/TESOL at the University of Leicester's School of Education. She holds additional roles as Director of Postgraduate Research, Research Impact and Knowledge Exchange Lead, and chairs the Lesson Study Research Group. Her career began in language teaching across France, Japan, and the UK, including positions at NKK Corporation, the British Council Tokyo, and International House Paris. At Leicester, she contributes to MA programs in Applied Linguistics/TESOL, supervises doctoral research focusing on materials development, ELT methodology, and Lesson Study, and participates in senior leadership. Her research interests center on materials development, Lesson Study methodologies, and intercultural communication in language education. Key areas include coursebook analysis, teacher training, and collaborative professional learning. She has authored numerous publications on these topics, emphasizing practical and theoretical intersections in language teaching. Her work often explores how collaborative processes like Lesson Study enhance teacher expertise and student outcomes. Notable contributions include studies on coursebook representation, the role of editors in materials development, and the application of Lesson Study in diverse educational contexts. She is actively involved in curriculum design for TESOL programs and has led projects on speaking skills pedagogy and cross-cultural communication in media. Norton’s academic leadership includes steering research impact initiatives and fostering knowledge exchange partnerships. Her professional network spans international collaborations, reflecting her commitment to advancing applied linguistics through both research and practical educational innovation.

Kieran O'SheaView profile

Lecturer

• Language and Communication
• Evolutionary Psychology
• Social Psychology
• +1 more

Kieran O'Shea serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Psychology within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Strathclyde, where he joined as a Teaching Associate in 2022. He holds key responsibilities as the 1st Year Tutorial Leader for undergraduate Psychology and Deputy Course Leader for the online MSc with a Specialisation in Psychology program, while actively contributing to academic governance through the HASS Board of Study and HASS Online Committee. His research program integrates cognitive and evolutionary psychology, originating from doctoral work on memory processes in conversational referring expressions and post-doctoral research on kin recognition via facial/vocal cues. Current investigations examine pragmatic inference disruptions in language comprehension and hormonal influences on mating preferences, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to understanding human social cognition through experimental methodologies. Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent exploration of real-time cognitive processing in social contexts, with recent work demonstrating how perspective conflict impedes language comprehension (2025) and challenging assumptions about ovulatory-phase mating preferences (2022). These studies exemplify his methodological rigor in connecting immediate cognitive mechanisms with evolutionary adaptation frameworks. Dr. O'Shea's teaching portfolio spans foundational to advanced levels, including Psychology 1A/1B tutorials, Cognition and Neuropsychology (C8201), Social and Health Psychology (C8202), Social Psychology (C8307), and dissertation supervision across undergraduate and MSc programs. His curriculum leadership for online psychology education demonstrates commitment to innovative pedagogical delivery within the HASS faculty structure. Through committee service and cross-cutting research collaborations, he contributes to institutional development while maintaining active engagement with core psychological disciplines including social cognition, evolutionary mechanisms, and language processing, with ongoing work exploring communication dynamics and adaptive social behaviors.

• French Literature
• 19th-Century French Novel
• 20th-Century French Novel
• +14 more

Michela Gardini is a Full Professor of French Literature at the University of Bergamo, Department of Languages, Literatures and Foreign Cultures, where she also serves as Coordinator of the PhD Program in Transcultural Humanities (2024–2027). She teaches French Literature and Intercultural Imaginaries in both undergraduate and master’s programs, including the international track in Intercultural Studies in Languages and Literatures. Her academic work is deeply rooted in interdisciplinary and transcultural approaches to French literary studies. Her research focuses on 19th- and 20th-century French literature, particularly the novel, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary and transcultural perspectives. Key areas include literature and religion, myth rewriting (e.g., Joan of Arc), literature and justice, word-image relationships (especially the motif of the portrait), intertextuality, metatextuality (with attention to the translator as a literary figure), narratives of place, intercultural imaginaries, and Maghrebian Francophone writings. These interests reflect a commitment to understanding literature as a dynamic site of cultural negotiation and transformation. The analysis of her recent publications (2020–2025) reveals a consistent engagement with French literary figures such as Georges Bernanos, Théophile Gautier, Léon Bloy, André Gide, and Maurice Barrès, often through the lenses of religion, identity, myth, and cultural memory. Her work spans original scholarly chapters and articles, as well as critical reviews in leading journals like French Studies and Revue d’Histoire Littéraire de la France , demonstrating both creative and evaluative scholarly contributions across French literary and cultural studies. Michela Gardini has not received any explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the provided text. She advises PhD students as Coordinator of the Transcultural Humanities PhD program and is actively involved in academic mentorship and curriculum development. While specific grant details are not listed, her sustained publication record and leadership role suggest active research funding and institutional support. She teaches core courses in French literature and intercultural studies, shaping the next generation of scholars in transcultural literary analysis. Michela Gardini is affiliated with the Department of Languages, Literatures and Foreign Cultures at the University of Bergamo, where she contributes to research, teaching, and doctoral supervision. She is part of a scholarly community focused on modern foreign languages and literatures, with particular strength in French studies and transcultural humanities.

Christine McCourtView profile

Professor

• Maternal and Child Health
• Women's Health
• Anthropology in Healthcare
• +9 more

Christine McCourt is Professor of Maternal and Child Health at the School of Health and Medical Sciences, City, University of London, where she leads the Centre for Research in Maternal and Child Health. She teaches across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, including Midwifery and Public Health. Her research applies anthropological theory to Western healthcare, with a focus on maternity systems, women’s experiences, and institutional reform. PhD in Anthropology, London School of Economics (1986–1990) BA in Anthropology (1st Class), London School of Economics (1980–1983) Her research centers on maternal and child health, with key interests in maternity care organization, institutional change, ethnographic methodology, access to care, and cultural safety. She explores how healthcare systems shape experiences of childbirth, particularly for minority ethnic groups and underserved populations. Her work emphasizes patient-centered care, continuity models, and midwifery-led services. Her recent publications analyze group antenatal care, cervical ripening at home, self-monitoring of blood pressure in pregnancy, and access to midwife-led birth settings. These studies reflect a strong trend toward evaluating innovative, equitable, and community-based maternity care models using qualitative, mixed-methods, and realist research approaches. Managing Editor, Anthropology in Action Editorial Board Member, Birth ; BJOG Peer reviewer for BMJ , Social Science & Medicine , Midwifery , and others External reviewer for NIHR, ESRC, EU, and other research funders Christine supervises a large cohort of doctoral students and has led major research projects funded by NIHR, DoH, and the Scottish Chief Scientist Office. She has coordinated evaluations of midwifery continuity of care, birthplace policies, and group antenatal care models. Her work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration with institutions such as King’s College London, University of Stirling, and UCL. She leads the Centre for Research in Maternal and Child Health and has been instrumental in developing and evaluating the Pregnancy Circles model of group antenatal care. Her research team includes fellows and collaborators from across the UK and internationally, including Brazil and Portugal.