Find Academic Supervisors

Jeff ZhangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Deep learning
• Computer architecture
• Embedded systems
• +5 more

Jeff Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering at Arizona State University. He joined ASU in January 2023 after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University. His research spans deep learning, computer architecture, embedded systems, and EDA, with particular emphasis on energy-efficient and fault-tolerant design for AI/ML systems and hardware accelerators. Education: Ph.D., New York University M.Eng., B.Eng., Hunan University Dr. Zhang's research bridges theoretical machine learning with practical hardware implementation, developing novel architectures that optimize performance, power consumption, and reliability. He has pioneered approaches for hardware acceleration of large language models, efficient sparse matrix operations, and novel memory technologies for AI workloads. His work has received multiple awards including IEEE Top Picks in Test and Reliability (2023) and IEEE Micro Best Paper Award (2022). His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward heterogeneous computing, with significant work in chiplet-based AI accelerators, photonic computing for AI, and 2.5D/3D integration techniques. The research spans from high-level compiler frameworks to circuit-level innovations, with a consistent theme of co-designing algorithms and hardware for optimal AI performance. His work on the SODA toolchain has been particularly influential in bridging Python to silicon. Scientific Awards: IEEE Top Picks in Test and Reliability, IEEE ITC, 2023 Best Paper Award, IEEE Micro, 2022 Best Paper Award Candidate, IEEE DATE, 2022 Best Presentation Award Nomination, ACM SIGDA DATE PhD Forum, 2020 Best Paper Award Nomination, IEEE VLSI Test Symposium, 2018 Ernst Weber Ph.D. Fellowship, New York University, 2015, 2016 Dr. Zhang actively mentors a diverse group of graduate and undergraduate students, with several alumni now working at leading technology companies including Apple, TSMC, and Ansys. His research is supported by prestigious grants from NSF, Sandia National Labs, and industry partners. He serves on technical program committees of numerous top conferences and has organized special sessions on emerging topics like Gen AI for Chip Design and LLM-Aided Design. Dr. Zhang leads a vibrant research group that collaborates extensively with industry partners and national laboratories. Current projects focus on next-generation AI hardware, including chiplet-based systems, photonic accelerators, and novel memory technologies for large language models. His group has developed several open-source tools and frameworks, including the SODA toolchain for bridging Python to silicon.

Tyler HollettView profile

Associate Professor

• Interest-driven learning
• Learning in informal settings
• Digital media and learning
• +5 more

Dr. Tyler Hollett serves as an Associate Professor of Learning Sciences in the Department of Learning and Performance Systems at The Pennsylvania State University, contributing to the Learning, Design, and Technology program from 315 Keller Building, University Park, PA. His research champions interest-driven learning often devalued by formal institutions and neoliberal markets, investigating contexts like skateboarding, video gaming, and nature hobbies (fishing, birding). Hollett examines how passion-fueled activities generate embodied, affective learning that transcends goal-oriented education, advocating for equitable alternatives to capitalist learning trajectories. Current projects focus on intergenerational play through the FIGMENT Lab, exploring family gaming dynamics, climate engagement via outdoor hobbies, and evolving children's play across settings. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a methodological commitment to qualitative inquiry, with recurring themes of spatial-temporal rhythms, affective atmospheres, and embodied cognition. His work bridges learning sciences, critical pedagogy, and digital media studies, increasingly emphasizing intergenerational and ecological dimensions of informal learning. No scientific awards are listed in his current profile. However, Hollett actively mentors graduate students, inviting collaboration on FIGMENT Lab initiatives. His advising philosophy emphasizes rigorous scholarship within supportive, interest-driven research teams, with the FIGMENT Lab representing his current focus on family-centered learning in gaming, nature, and play contexts.

Laura ManzieView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
• Academic Writing
• +8 more

Laura Manzie is a Senior Lecturer in English as a Foreign Language at the School of Arts & Humanities, Nottingham Trent University, where she is affiliated with the Nottingham Institute of Languages and Intercultural Communication. She serves as Subject Coordinator for TESOL in the BA Joint Honours program and actively contributes to language teaching and teacher education across multiple platforms, including the Cambridge CELTA and Trinity Cert TESOL training programs. Her research focuses on academic literacy, particularly the development of criticality in academic writing and reading. She explores pedagogical innovations such as blogging and Academic Reading Circles as tools to foster critical engagement among students. Additionally, she investigates how language classrooms can serve as spaces for building intercultural competence (ICC) , linking language learning with broader sociocultural awareness. Laura has extensive international teaching experience, having taught in Sri Lanka, Australia, Vietnam, Turkey, Japan, and China. She played a key role in establishing NTU’s Pre-Sessional English Language Programme at the Communication University of China in Beijing. Her professional work extends to community outreach, where she connects trainee teachers with opportunities to teach refugees and asylum seekers in Nottingham. She is also involved in external professional activities, working as a freelance teacher trainer in the UK and Turkey, and supports Syrian academics through CARA’s Syrian programme by providing English language assistance. Teaching Responsibilities: MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) BA Joint Honours TESOL modules Cambridge CELTA Trinity Cert TESOL (as trainer and course director) Professional and Community Engagement: Freelance teacher trainer (Nottingham, UK; Izmir, Turkey) Participant in CARA’s Syrian programme Collaborator in NTU’s community outreach projects with refugee and asylum seeker communities

Florin CurtaView profile

Professor

• Medieval History
• Medieval Archaeology
• Eastern Europe in the Middle Ages
• +12 more

Florin Curta is a Professor in the Department of History at the University of Florida, within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He is a leading scholar in medieval history and archaeology, with a focus on Eastern and East Central Europe between 500 and 1250. He is the founding member of the Medieval and Early Modern Studies program and the director of the Certificate in Medieval Archaeology at UF. Curta received his Ph.D. from Western Michigan University in 1998 and an M.A. in Medieval Studies from Cornell University. His academic journey reflects a deep engagement with both historical and archaeological methodologies, positioning him at the forefront of interdisciplinary medieval studies. His research interests center on migration, identity, ethnicity, and material culture in the early Middle Ages. He is particularly renowned for his work on the formation of Slavic identities and the archaeology of the Avar period. His scholarship challenges traditional narratives and emphasizes the complexity of ethnogenesis and cultural interaction in medieval Eastern Europe. The most recent articles highlight his ongoing focus on the Avar age, Slavic ethnogenesis, and critical reinterpretations of Eastern European medieval history. His publications span archaeological analysis, historical synthesis, and theoretical reflection, demonstrating a consistent commitment to advancing the understanding of medieval societies through interdisciplinary lenses. Herbert Baxter Adams Award, American Historical Association, 2003 Membership in the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, 2007 Fellow, Dumbarton Oaks, 2006/2007 ACLS Fellowship, 2006/2007 NEH Fellowship (declined), 2006/2007 Waldo W. Neikirk Professor, 2013–2014 University of Florida Term Professor, 2017–2020 Teaching Award of the Year, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 2014 International Educator of the Year, 2012 Honorary member, Romanian Academy, 2023 Florin Curta has advised numerous graduate students and has been actively involved in mentoring visiting scholars and international researchers. He has directed multiple archaeological field schools across Europe and has played a key role in fostering academic exchange through programs such as Erasmus+ and Fulbright. His editorial work includes leadership of the Brill series East Central and Eastern Europe in the Middle Ages and the Palgrave Macmillan series New Approaches to Byzantine History and Culture , significantly shaping scholarly discourse in the field. He leads the Certificate Program in Medieval Archaeology and has organized numerous international academic events, including conference sessions at Kalamazoo and workshops on material culture and heritage. His work bridges academia and public engagement, particularly through initiatives in heritage tourism and digital humanities.

• Clinical Psychology
• Psychoanalysis
• Psychosomatic Disorders
• +12 more

Christopher Christian is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Yale School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Certificate in Psychoanalysis from the Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR), where he served as past Dean and Training Analyst. He also serves as a Professor in the Contemporary Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy program at Ramon Llull University (Barcelona). His work bridges psychoanalysis, linguistic analysis, and psychosomatic disorders. Education: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 1997) Leadership: Past Dean and Training Analyst, IPTAR Research Interests: Christian’s research focuses on psychoanalysis applied to body dysmorphia, maladaptive daydreaming, and emotional communication. His work explores linguistic patterns in therapeutic processes, ruptures in therapy, and the impact of crises like the pandemic on mental states. He employs single-case studies and psychodynamic diagnostic frameworks. Scientific Contributions: His articles analyze therapeutic alliance dynamics, countertransference, and psychosomatic disorder treatments. Recent works examine body dysmorphia, online therapy effects, and linguistic dimensions of mental health during lockdowns. Awards: Recipient of the 2020 Gradiva Award and American Board & Academy of Psychoanalysis Book Prize for Psychoanalysis in the Barrios .

William LuceyView profile

Associate Professor

• Music Production
• Songwriting
• Audio Engineering
• +6 more

William Lucey is an Associate Professor in the Music Production and Engineering (MP&E) and Songwriting departments at Berklee College of Music, a leading institution in contemporary music education. His academic role is deeply informed by his extensive professional career as a performer, songwriter, and producer. His research and creative interests center on music production, songwriting craft, audio engineering, and the integration of analog and digital technologies in music. He emphasizes practical, real-world applications in his teaching, drawing from decades of experience in the music industry. The body of his recent work—including songs like Home , Haunt Me Again , and All I Want for Christmas is a Christmas No. 1 —demonstrates a broad range across genres such as Americana, pop, rock, electronic, and folk. His production style is hands-on, spanning songwriting, arrangement, performance, engineering, and mixing. He frequently collaborates with emerging and established artists, often playing multiple instruments and overseeing full production. Meteor Award Ireland for Best Hope for the Future Boston Music Awards for Best New Act and Best Vocalist World Peace Award for Best International Act As an educator and mentor, Lucey has taught songwriting and production at Berklee for over 25 years, guiding countless students in developing their artistic voices. He also engages in professional projects that serve as living case studies for his pedagogy. His studio practice blends analog warmth with digital precision, reflecting his philosophy of marrying the best of both worlds. While no formal lab or research team is mentioned, his production house functions as a creative hub for collaboration with session musicians and artists worldwide.

Sidonie ChristopheView profile

Academic

• Geographic Information Sciences
• Geovisualization
• Map Design
• +12 more

Sidonie Christophe is a Senior Researcher (Directrice de Recherche, DR1) at UMR LASTIG, a joint research unit of Université Gustave Eiffel, IGN-ENSG, and EIVP. She serves as co-director of the LASTIG laboratory and leads research in geovisualization, map design, and interactive spatial data exploration. She also holds a part-time advisory role (60%) at the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research in the domain of digital technology, environment, climate, and sustainable urban development. PhD in Geographic Information Sciences Senior Researcher, DR1, MTECT Co-Director, LASTIG Laboratory (since 2021) Former Team Leader, GEOVIS (Geovisualization, Interaction, and Immersion) Advisor, Environment and Urban Climate, French Ministry of Higher Education & Research Her research centers on innovative methods for 2D/3D and nD geospatial data visualization, with a focus on enabling spatio-temporal understanding through visual and non-visual spatial thinking. Her work integrates principles from geographic information science, human-computer interaction, and computer graphics. Key areas include urban climate visualization, tactile and augmented reality for accessibility, expressive cartographic rendering, and cognitive aspects of map design. She investigates how aesthetic and semiotic choices impact map comprehension and utility. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend in interactive and accessible geovisualization, particularly for urban and environmental applications. Topics include neural map style transfer, 3D urban climate analysis, tactile maps for the visually impaired, augmented reality in geography, and visual analytics for crisis and climate data. There is a consistent emphasis on user-centered design, interdisciplinary integration, and the development of tools for decision-making under uncertainty. Scientific Recognition and Service: Invited speaker at major conferences (IEEEVIS, AGILE, ICC, CPGIS) Co-organizer of international workshops (e.g., GeoVIS, ISPRS AR/VR sessions) Leader of national research projects (ANR ORACLES, ANR ACTIVmap, ANR ECOCIM) Recipient of international mobility grants (AMICI I-SITE FUTURE) Contributor to national glossaries and research strategy (e.g., French photogrammetry glossary) Advising and Grants: Sidonie Christophe actively supervises PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, including Markie Jiang, Maria-Jesus Lobo, and Alexandre Mielniczek. She leads or participates in multiple funded research projects such as ANR ORACLES (marine flooding visualization), ANR ACTIVmap (tactile 3D maps), and ANR ECOCIM (eco-design of city information models). Her advisory role at the MESR involves shaping national research strategy in digital and environmental sciences. Labs and Research Teams: She is a core member of the GEOVIS team (Geovisualization, Interaction, and Immersion) at LASTIG and previously served as its leader. As co-director of LASTIG, she plays a central role in the leadership and strategic direction of the entire laboratory, which comprises over 100 researchers across four teams: ACTE, GEOVIS, MEIG, and STRUDEL.

Mirzet SehoView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Islamic Finance and Banking
• FinTech
• Corporate Finance
• +5 more

Dr. Mirzet Šeho is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Business, Monash University Malaysia, where he contributes significantly to teaching, research, and academic leadership. With nearly fifteen years of combined industry and academic experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in Islamic finance, fintech, and financial economics. He plays a pivotal role in developing innovative fintech curricula that blend academic rigor with real-world industry insights. PhD in Islamic Finance, International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (2018) Dr. Šeho's research centers on Islamic finance and banking, corporate finance, financial economics, and fintech. His work explores critical issues such as the stability of dual-banking systems, the impact of interest rates on Islamic financial instruments, and the role of finance in energy justice and sustainable development. He actively investigates how diversification strategies influence bank risk and returns, particularly in mixed financial environments. His recent publications, primarily from 2020 to 2024, reflect a strong trend toward empirical and policy-relevant research in Islamic and conventional banking systems. These works frequently appear in high-impact journals such as the Pacific Basin Finance Journal and International Review of Finance , with a methodological emphasis on econometric modeling, including GMM techniques. The interdisciplinary nature of his research is evident in contributions linking finance with energy justice and sustainable development goals. Dr. Šeho has been honored with three major scientific awards: Best Paper Award by the Journal of Muamalat and Islamic Finance Research (2016) Pacific-Basin Finance Journal Best Paper Award (2018) Pacific-Basin Finance Journal Best Paper Award (2019) He is actively involved in academic advising, currently accepting PhD students, and has contributed to research grants and projects through collaborative international research. His academic service includes peer review for journals like Applied Finance Letters and Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money , editorial responsibilities, and participation in major conferences such as the 14th Financial Markets and Corporate Governance Conference 2024, where he served as both speaker and session chair. Dr. Šeho is affiliated with research networks focusing on Islamic finance and fintech, collaborating with scholars from Malaysia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and beyond. His work is disseminated not only in scholarly outlets but also through press and media features, demonstrating his commitment to public engagement and policy impact.

Jo BirdView profile

Associate Professor

• Digital Technologies in Early Childhood Education
• Play and Play-Based Learning
• STEM in Early Childhood
• +7 more

Jo Bird is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of New England (UNE), Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education. She serves as the Higher Degree Research Coordinator, supporting postgraduate research students in early childhood education. Her work bridges academia and practice, with a strong focus on digital technologies in early childhood settings. Her research interests include: Digital technologies in early childhood play Integration of STEM and nature-based learning Development of 21st-century skills in young children Supporting educators in using digital tools for planning and documentation Early childhood leadership and professional development Jo Bird's recent publications reflect a consistent trajectory in digital play, nature education, and military family support programs. Her work emphasizes children’s agency, innovative pedagogies, and the role of technology in enhancing learning outcomes. She has contributed significantly to frameworks like the Digital Play Framework and digital storytelling applications. Her scientific achievements include: Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) Award for Distinctive Work (2022) Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) Scholarship (2013–2015) She actively supervises doctoral and master’s students in early childhood technology, play, and primary education transitions. Her research has been supported by grants from The Ian Potter Foundation and UNE. She has also led digital application development, such as 'Waiting for Daddy: Rose’s story', to amplify children's voices. Jo Bird is involved in several research teams and initiatives, including projects on military family education and digital portfolio systems (ARTefacts). She collaborates widely across institutions and contributes to national discourse through professional learning sessions, conference presentations, and practitioner publications.

• Music Performance
• French Horn
• 19th-century Italian Opera
• +3 more

Piotr Staniszewski is an Assistant Professor at the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk, where he has been employed since October 2024. Previously, he taught French horn at the Academy of Art in Szczecin from 2017 to 2022, where he was appointed professor in 2020. He maintains an active performance career as a member of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra in Gdańsk since 1993, performing internationally in Vatican City, Germany, Sweden, Russia, China, and USA. He also collaborates with the Polish Chamber Philharmonic in Sopot and has performed over 130 solo recitals and chamber concerts. Staniszewski's primary research interests encompass 19th-century Italian opera and the life and work of Gioacchino Rossini. His scholarly work includes six publications on piano music prepared as part of the International Piano Music Academic Sessions in Gdańsk. He has authored more than a dozen published arrangements or transcriptions for horn and chamber ensembles. His most recent publication, in October 2024, appeared in 'The Horn Call,' the quarterly journal of the International Horn Society in the USA, focusing on CD Lorenz. His artistic output includes three significant recordings: 'Sacred Music for Horn and Organ' (2000) with organist Ewa Mazurek-Krasodomska; 'Concert Songs of Romanticism' (2008) with soprano Aleksandra Kucharska-Szefler and pianist Bożena Szull-Talar; and 'Horn Fantasy' (2019), featuring the world's first recording of works for horn and piano by Carl Daniel Lorenz (1816-1866). Bronze Badge of the Polish Association of Choirs and Orchestras (1996) Award of the Mayor of Gdynia (2004, 2021) Diploma of the Minister of Culture (2004) Badge of Merit for Polish Culture (2009) Individual Award of the Director of the Center for Artistic Education (2016) Medal of the Commission of National Education (2019) Cultural Scholarship of the City of Gdańsk (2002, 2009) Staniszewski combines his academic work with extensive teaching experience, having instructed French horn and chamber ensemble classes at the Primary and Secondary Music School in Gdynia since 1993 and at the Complex of State Music Schools in Koszalin. His students have won over 230 awards in regional, national, and international competitions. He serves on juries for music competitions and as a consultant for the Center for Artistic Education in Warsaw since 2021. His music journalism for 'Ruch Muzyczny' includes 85 reports on major musical events in the Gdańsk region and international opera performances.

Michael KarcherView profile

Professor

• Youth Mentoring
• Adolescent Connectedness
• Peer Counseling
• +6 more

Michael Karcher is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) College of Education and Human Development (COEHD). As a leading expert in youth mentoring, his research focuses on school-based and cross-age peer mentoring, adolescent connectedness, and pair counseling interventions. He developed the Cross-age Mentoring Program (CAMP), a nationally recognized initiative listed on CrimeSolutions.gov, and served as Principal Investigator for the longitudinal SMILE study, evaluating school-based mentoring impacts on delinquency and educational outcomes. His work spans multicultural counseling, delinquency prevention, and developmental program design, with over 20 years of publications in fields like Educational Psychology, Criminology, and Counseling. He co-edited the Handbook of Youth Mentoring (2005, 2014) and Play, Talk, Learn (2010), introducing the TEAM framework. Karcher contributes to editorial boards for mentoring journals and advises organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) and MENTOR, ensuring his research informs policy and practice for at-risk youth. Recent publications highlight systemic mentoring models, connectedness assessment tools, and cross-cultural program adaptations. His work emphasizes measurable outcomes, including academic persistence, social competency development, and mental health improvements through structured mentoring interactions.

• Contemporary Music
• Solo Violin Repertoire
• Performance Anxiety
• +3 more

Ioana Galu serves as Associate Professor of Violin and Viola in the Department of Music at the University of South Dakota, directing the Violin/Viola Studio and performing with the Rawlins Piano Trio. Previously on faculty at Heidelberg University (2004-2016) and The College of Wooster (2014-2016), she maintains active roles with the Eastern Music Festival since 2004 and co-founded the Romanian-American chamber music festival 'American Musicians in Transylvania'. Her educational background includes: Doctor of Musical Arts in Contemporary Music, Bowling Green State University (2012) Artist Diploma in Violin Performance, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (2011) Master of Music in Violin Performance, Bowling Green State University (2003) Master of Music in Violin Performance and Chamber Music, Gheorghe Dima Music Academy, Romania (1999) Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance and Pedagogy, Gheorghe Dima Music Academy (1998) Dr. Galu's research examines Contemporary Music performance practices, Solo Violin Repertoire interpretation, Injury Prevention methodologies, and Performance Anxiety management. Her work bridges technical mastery with expressive artistry, focusing on physical sustainability and psychological resilience for string musicians through practical pedagogical frameworks. Recent scholarly presentations reveal evolving interests in efficient practice systems, bowing mechanics, and the socio-artistic dimensions of performance. She increasingly explores mindfulness applications, genre-crossing repertoire, and recovery of women composers' works, demonstrating commitment to both technical innovation and social relevance in string performance. Notable awards include The American Prize in Chamber Music (2022), Chamber Music Community Engagement Award (2009), and multiple competition prizes from George Enescu Violin Competition (1996) to CCM Concerto Competition (2004). As advisor and grant recipient, she directs the Rawlins Piano Trio with four consecutive South Dakota Arts Council Touring Arts Roster grants (2018-2026). Her leadership extends to Music4Romania board membership and co-founding initiatives promoting Romanian-American cultural exchange. Dr. Galu performs as concertmaster for multiple orchestras and maintains active chamber music collaborations, notably through her festival work connecting Transylvanian and American artists.

Ann Marie MurnaghanView profile

Associate Professor

• Children's Geographies
• Urban Geography
• Historical Geography
• +3 more

Ann Marie Murnaghan is an Associate Professor in the Children, Childhood, and Youth Program within the Department of Humanities at York University's Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. She serves as Co-Lead of the Children and Young People Interdisciplinary Research Network at the Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies and is a Faculty Affiliate at The City Institute, York University. Dr. Murnaghan's research focuses on discourses of childhood, children's worlds and material cultures in cities, both historically and in contemporary contexts. Her expertise spans Children's Geographies, Urban Geography, Historical Geography, Children's Material Culture, Museum Studies, and Urban Political Ecology. Her previous research analyzed how playground material cultures influenced childhood discourses in early twentieth-century Toronto, while her current work examines museums as sites of children's informal education and identity formation using film studies, critical museology, and participatory methodologies. Dr. Murnaghan's scholarly contributions demonstrate a consistent focus on children's urban experiences with particular attention to historical contexts, material culture, and educational spaces. Her recent publications reveal an evolving research trajectory increasingly incorporating film studies and participatory methodologies to explore children's relationships with nature, cities, and cultural institutions. Principal Investigator of SSHRC-funded project Co-edited 'Children, Nature, Cities' (Routledge 2016) Award-winning teacher committed to community-oriented education Dr. Murnaghan earned her PhD in Human Geography from York University in 2010 after completing a BSc (Hons) at Queen's University and an MES at York University. She has held teaching positions at University of Manitoba and Ryerson University, and research fellowships at the Centre for Digital Humanities (Ryerson) and the Centre for Research in Young Peoples Texts and Cultures (University of Winnipeg). As an active academic leader, Dr. Murnaghan has co-organized multiple sessions at major conferences including the Association of American Geographers Annual Meeting and the Canadian Association of Geographers Annual Meeting. She previously served as International Liaison for the Geographic Perspectives on Women Specialty Group and as Communications Coordinator for the Canadian Women and Geography Study Group.

• Play Therapy
• Medical Play Therapy
• Pediatric Nursing
• +12 more

Associate Professor Judi Parson is a pediatric-qualified Registered Nurse and Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor at Deakin University's School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health. She leads the Play Therapy discipline at the university and is recognized internationally for her work in Medical Play Therapy and the integration of digital technologies in therapeutic practice. Her career spans clinical practice, research, teaching, and leadership in the field of play therapy. Education Doctor of Philosophy, Central Queensland University Master of Health Science (Nursing), Charles Sturt University Master of Arts in Play Therapy with Distinction, Roehampton University, UK Graduate Diploma of Nursing, Australian Catholic University Graduate Certificate of Higher Education, Deakin University Bachelor of Nursing, Australian Catholic University Research Interests Professor Parson's research focuses on Play Therapy as an emerging profession to support biopsychosocial health and development for children and their families. Her work explores thematic expression of humanistic skills within play therapy and supervision sessions, pediatric (hospital, medical and procedural) play therapy techniques, and digital tele-health including therapeutic apps and virtual reality. She employs qualitative research methods such as Phenomenology and Autoethnography to investigate optimal therapeutic effects for diverse populations including war-affected children, those experiencing natural disasters, Aboriginal communities, children of incarcerated parents, and children with autism. Her research bridges theory and practice while addressing cultural responsiveness and technological innovation in play therapy. Research Output Trends Professor Parson's recent publications reveal a strong focus on expanding play therapy applications across diverse contexts and populations. Her work increasingly addresses cultural responsiveness, particularly with Aboriginal communities, and the adaptation of play therapy for crisis situations including natural disasters and war. There's a notable trend toward integrating digital technologies, with several publications on tele-play therapy, virtual reality applications, and online supervision. Her research also demonstrates growing attention to specific populations such as children of incarcerated parents and those with autism, while maintaining her foundational work in medical play therapy for pediatric healthcare settings. Scientific Awards Australian Postgraduate Award (2003-2008) for PhD research on "Integration of procedural play for children undergoing Cystic Fibrosis treatment: A nursing perspective" Highest Academic Achievement Award (1996) for Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Child and Adolescent health - Advanced paediatrics) Supervision and Grants Professor Parson actively supervises multiple doctoral and master's students across various play therapy research topics. Her current doctoral supervision includes research on psychosocial interactions in parent-child play relationships, therapeutic play for developmental trauma, and children's coping with vaccinations. She recently secured a significant grant from The Rotary Club of Sydney Inc for "Tele Play Therapy" research (2024-2026, $36,721.28), demonstrating continued funding support for her innovative work in digital play therapy applications. Professional Leadership Professor Parson is a co-founder of the Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA) and the International Consortium of Play Therapy Associations (IC-PTA), playing a key role in shaping the field globally. She serves on the Editorial Board of the British Journal of Play Therapy and maintains professional registrations with multiple play therapy associations worldwide, including as a Registered Play Therapist/Supervisor with APPTA. Her leadership extends to developing the Master of Child Play Therapy program at Deakin University, where she teaches multiple courses including Foundations of Play Therapy, Humanistic Play Therapy, and Systemic Play Therapy.

• Counseling Psychology
• Adult Attachment Theory
• Couple Therapy
• +4 more

Elisabeth "Lisa" Bennett, Ph.D. is a Professor of Counselor Education at Gonzaga University's College of Education, where she has taught for 29 of her nearly 40 years in education. She specializes in clinical counseling with a focus on attachment theory and innovative therapeutic techniques. Education: Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, University of Utah M.S., Counseling Psychology, University of Utah B.S., Clinical Psychology, Brigham Young University Dr. Bennett's research centers on adult attachment theory, with a unique focus on comparing human attachment behaviors with those of elephants. Her work explores creative counseling techniques, evidence-informed treatment approaches, and couple therapy efficacy through attachment theory. She has developed specialized interventions for diverse populations including deployed military families, teenagers, and couples experiencing relationship challenges. Her approach integrates theoretical grounding with practical application, emphasizing the importance of attachment security in therapeutic relationships. Her extensive publication record shows consistent focus on practical counseling techniques, with recent work emphasizing burnout prevention for counselors, movement-based interventions, and innovative approaches for specific populations. Bennett frequently presents at national and international conferences, demonstrating ongoing scholarly engagement in the counseling field. While maintaining her academic position, Dr. Bennett also operates a small private consultation practice, emphasizing that she "grows as much as her clients" through this work. She has developed numerous specialized techniques for challenging counseling situations, particularly around attachment issues, airtime distribution in family sessions, and engaging resistant populations like teenagers.