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Philip J. EthingtonView profile

Professor

University of Southern CaliforniaUnited States

Philip J. Ethington is Professor of History, Political Science, and Spatial Sciences at the University of Southern California's Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. As Co-Director of the USC Center for Transformative Scholarship and Fellow of the Los Angeles Institute for the Humanities, he bridges historical scholarship with digital innovation through projects like HyperCities. Ethington's educational background includes: Ph.D. in History from Stanford University (1989) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard University's Charles Warren Center (2007-2008) Getty Scholar at the Getty Research Institute (1996-1997) His research pioneers spatial theory of history through chronographs and digital cartography, examining urban evolution from Pleistocene times to present. Key interests include global metropolis studies , visual culture , and digital humanities , with focus on Los Angeles as a case study for transnational urban dynamics. Recent publications reveal consistent exploration of spatial dimensions in historical analysis, particularly through geographic institutionalism and deep historical regionalism. His work integrates cartographic innovation with theoretical frameworks to map urban change across millennia, emphasizing institutional ecology and transnational connections. Scientific recognition includes: Nomination for USC's Steven B. Sample Teaching Award (2010-2011) USC Interdisciplinary Faculty Fellowship (2004-2005) Award-winning documentary film Visual Acoustics (2009) Ethington mentors undergraduate researchers in urban history while leading major grants including MacArthur Foundation's HyperCities project ($238,000) and NEH's Digital Humanities initiative ($248,492). His funded work develops collaborative platforms for geohistorical research and digital publishing. He co-directs the USC History Lab and Center for Transformative Scholarship, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration through the Population Dynamics Lab and HyperCities consortium for participatory urban mapping.

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Oliver SeitzView profile

Professor

Humboldt UniversityGermany

Prof. Oliver Seitz leads the Bioorganic Synthesis research group at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Humboldt University of Berlin. His lab focuses on cutting-edge chemical biology approaches for protein/nucleic acid interrogation, with recent work advancing DNA/RNA-programmed assemblies for cellular imaging and therapeutic applications. Research spans chemical protein synthesis, glycoprotein/phosphoprotein engineering, and nucleic acid-templated reactions. Key innovations include Forced Intercalation (FIT) probes for wash-free RNA imaging, loss-of-affinity principles for catalytic efficiency, and peptide-PNA conjugates for targeted cellular delivery. The group actively develops tools for live-cell protein labeling and biomolecular spatial screening. Recent publications (2021-2024) emphasize fluorescence-based detection systems, catalytic templated reactions, and therapeutic peptide synthesis. Trends show increasing sophistication in multi-dye probes, glycan engineering, and RNA-triggered pro-drug activation. Scientific awards include: Max Bergmann Award (2019) Prof. Seitz actively advises doctoral students, with recent graduates Marvin Björn Stutz (2023, magna cum laude ), Dino Gluhacevic von Krüchten (2023, summa cum laude ), and Sophie Schöllkopf (2023, magna cum laude ). Current PhD candidates include Ekaterina Kazakova (glycoprotein synthesis), Alina Herfort (phosphoproteins), and Lina-Marie Beck (peptide-nucleic acid conjugates), with postdocs like Dr. Mandana Oloub (viscosity sensors). The Bioorganic Synthesis lab operates within Berlin's vibrant chemical research ecosystem, utilizing specialized techniques for chemical protein synthesis and nucleic acid detection. Recent team growth reflects ongoing projects in RNA imaging, catalytic templated reactions, and therapeutic conjugate development, supported by open positions for new researchers.

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Brad HayesView profile

Associate Professor

Boston CollegeUnited States

Brad Hayes is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Colorado Boulder within the College of Engineering and Applied Science, where he directs the Collaborative AI and Robotics (CAIRO) Laboratory. He also serves as Chief Technology Officer at Circadence, leading efforts in developing AI-enabled products for cybersecurity training and assessment. Undergraduate degree from Boston College PhD in Computer Science from Yale University Postdoctoral Associate at MIT Professor Hayes' research focuses on developing techniques that enable autonomous agents and robots to learn from and collaborate with humans safely, reliably, and productively. His work occurs at the intersection of pervasive and personalized artificial intelligence, human-robot teaming, and decision support. He has made significant contributions to collaborative robotics, dependable explainable AI, and imitation learning, with applications spanning manufacturing, healthcare, disaster response, autonomous vehicles, and space exploration. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on human-robot interaction, with particular focus on improving predictability in collaborative tasks, developing explainable AI systems that build trust, leveraging augmented and virtual reality for enhanced collaboration, and creating more efficient learning algorithms from human demonstrations. His work increasingly integrates large language models and advanced neural network architectures while maintaining a strong human-centered design approach. Sustainability Recognition (2025) for computational efficiency in motion planning Best Student Paper Runner-up at AAMAS 2022 Nominated for Best Technical Paper at HRI 2024 Best Technical Paper Runner-up at HRI 2019 Hayes has successfully mentored numerous graduate students through the CAIRO Lab, including multiple PhD graduates in 2024 alone. His lab receives funding from various organizations supporting research in human-robot interaction and collaborative AI. He frequently collaborates with industry partners and has established connections with major technology companies through his research and speaking engagements. The CAIRO Lab, under Hayes' direction, is a vibrant research environment focused on turning theoretical concepts into practical applications through hands-on work with real robots and human participants. The lab's research spans multiple domains including manufacturing, disaster response, autonomous vehicles, and space exploration, with a consistent emphasis on safe and effective human-machine teaming.

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Burak Sunguralp TekinView profile

Assistant Professor

Agri Ibrahim Cecen UniversityTurkey

Burak Sunguralp Tekin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Translation and Interpretation at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University. His academic career includes positions as both Lecturer (2021-2022) and Assistant Professor (2022-present) at the same institution. Dr. Tekin's research primarily focuses on human sociality and the interplay of language, bodies, and technology, with particular emphasis on embodied interaction, social practices, and multimodal communication. Dr. Tekin's educational background includes: Doctorate (2014-2019) from University of Basel, Switzerland, with dissertation "Bodies at play: Exploring participation, spectatorship, and morality in videogaming activities" Postgraduate studies (2012-2013) from University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, with thesis "Smiles and affective alignment in naturally occurring dyadic academic supervisions" Undergraduate degree (2006-2010) from Hacettepe University, Turkey Dr. Tekin's research interests center on social interaction, multimodal communication, and embodied practices. His work examines how people coordinate their actions, bodies, and language in various contexts including gaming, photography, public spaces, and pandemic-related social adaptations. He employs conversation analysis and multimodal interaction analysis to investigate the micro-details of human sociality, with particular attention to how technology mediates social practices. His research bridges sociology, linguistics, and human-computer interaction to understand the embodied nature of social organization. Analysis of Dr. Tekin's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on embodied social interaction across diverse contexts. His work demonstrates sophisticated methodological approaches to studying how people coordinate their movements, manage social spaces, and create meaning through multimodal resources. A notable trend is his examination of how social practices adapt during extraordinary circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as his sustained interest in gaming activities and their social organization. His collaborative work with Lorenza Mondada is particularly prominent in the field of conversation analysis. Dr. Tekin has taught various courses including Multimodal Communication, Introduction to Applied Linguistics, Language and Communication, Language Acquisition, Consecutive Interpreting, Intercultural Communication, World Englishes, Applied Linguistics, Turkish Grammar, Language Culture and Society, and Discourse Analysis at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His teaching reflects his research expertise in communication, language, and social interaction.

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Dorte HammershøiView profile

Professor

Aalborg UniversityDenmark

Dorte Hammershøi is a Professor in the Department of Electronic Systems at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Aalborg University, Denmark. Her research focuses on acoustics, sound engineering, and hearing science with significant contributions to human hearing, ear canal acoustics, and audio technology applications. Her research interests include: Temporary Threshold Shift and frequency resolution in human hearing Ear canal acoustics and sound pressure level measurement Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE) analysis Impulse response and acoustic impedance studies Hearing aid technology and rehabilitation methodologies Virtual reality audio interfaces and accessibility applications Professor Hammershøi's recent publications demonstrate a strong clinical-engineering interdisciplinary approach, bridging theoretical acoustics with practical hearing rehabilitation applications. Her work on hearing aid fitting methodologies, occupational noise exposure effects, and virtual reality audio interfaces shows consistent innovation in translating engineering principles to clinical practice. The research shows particular attention to individualized hearing solutions and accessibility technologies. Her scientific contributions have been recognized with: Dansk Lydpris 2020 (awarded November 17, 2021) Ambassadør for Aalborg (awarded September 15, 2004) Professor Hammershøi has supervised 5 PhD students and led numerous research projects including the ongoing "Audio Only VR for Blind Gamers" project (2024-2028) funded by the Independent Research Foundation of Denmark, and the completed "BEAR: Better Hearing Rehabilitation" project (2016-2022). Her research has attracted significant media attention with 110 press/media appearances discussing hearing damage prevention, tinnitus, and public health implications of noise exposure. She maintains active professional engagement through committee memberships (46 documented activities), international collaborations, and contributions to clinical practice guidelines. Her work continues to influence both academic research and practical applications in hearing science and audio engineering.

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Kathryn BabayanView profile

Professor

University of Michigan-Ann ArborUnited States

Kathryn Babayan is a Professor at the University of Michigan , affiliated with the Middle East Studies department. Her research focuses on the cultural, social, and political histories of the Persianate world, particularly Iran, Iraq, Anatolia, and Central Asia. Her work integrates gender and sexuality studies , Safavid dynasty analysis , and material culture approaches to explore historical narratives. She is currently researching literacy practices in early modern Isfahan through her book The City as Anthology , examining how anthologies (majmu'a/muraqqa') reshaped urban experience and individual sovereignty. Collaborations include co-authoring Slaves of the Shah with Susan Babaie, Massumeh Farhad, and Ena Baghdiantz-McCabe, and co-editing Islamicate Sexualities with Afsaneh Najmabadi. Her publications bridge historiography , religion , and visual culture .

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Harrison SmithView profile

Lecturer

University of SheffieldUnited Kingdom

Dr Harrison Smith is a Lecturer in Digital Media & Society at the University of Sheffield's School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations. He holds a PhD from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Information, alongside MA and BA degrees in Sociology from Queen’s University, Canada. His research focuses on the political economy of data analytics, particularly in smart cities and consumer surveillance contexts. Education: PhD in Information Studies, University of Toronto (Canada) MA in Sociology, Queen’s University (Canada) BA (Hons) in Sociology, Queen’s University (Canada) Smith’s research examines how data infrastructures shape socio-economic inequality through processes like surveillance, classification, and market segmentation. Key areas include location-based marketing, 5G data infrastructures, and industry consolidation in data analytics. His work critiques how digital technologies reconfigure urban spaces and labor markets, particularly in 'smart city' contexts. Recent publications explore the metaverse's industrial implications, blockchain’s role in dispute resolution, and surveillance practices at music festivals. His teaching includes leading the module SCS2016: The Sociology of the Media. Smith’s expertise bridges media theory, urban informatics, and critical data studies, emphasizing ethical and political dimensions of digital technologies in everyday life.

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Matthias FritschView profile

Professor

Concordia UniversityCanada

Matthias Fritsch is a Professor of Philosophy at Concordia University. He specializes in contemporary European philosophy, environmental ethics, and intergenerational justice, with a focus on critical theory, deconstruction, and phenomenology. His work explores normative relations between past, present, and future generations, particularly in environmental and political contexts. Education : Ph.D. (Villanova University, 1994-1999), Doctoral Research (Freie Universität Berlin, 1997-1998), M.A. (New York University, 1993-1994), B.A. (Universität zu Köln, 1990-1993), and Humboldt Scholar (Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main, 2010-2011, 2023). His research centers on justice in relation to history, time, and the environment, addressing questions about societal obligations to the dead and future generations. Current projects include a monograph on phenomenology and critical theory (SSHRC-funded, 2020-2026) and co-organizing the award-winning Nature-Time-Responsibility research network, which promotes intercultural approaches to environmental justice. Recent publications examine generativity, climate ethics, and temporal responsibility, reflecting his interdisciplinary engagement with Heidegger, Derrida, and indigenous perspectives. His work appears in journals such as Continental Philosophy Review , Constellations , and European Journal of Political Theory . Scientific Awards : Humboldt Scholar (2010-2011, 2023). Matthias supervises graduate students in Philosophy (MA) and Humanities (PhD) and has contributed to edited collections including Eco-Deconstruction (Fordham University Press, 2018) and Environmental Philosophy and East Asia (Routledge, 2022). He is also co-editor of the 2024 special issue of the Yearbook for Eastern and Western Philosophy on "Philosophies of Time and Nature."

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Miranda GriffinView profile

Professor

University of CambridgeUnited Kingdom

Professor Miranda Griffin is a medieval French literature scholar at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics and Murray Edwards College. Her research focuses on landscape representation, manuscript culture, and ecocritical approaches to medieval texts. Professor of Medieval French Literature Fellow at Murray Edwards College Researcher in medieval manuscript studies and ecocriticism Contributor to BBC Radio 4's In Our Time Her work explores medieval theories of temporality, text-image relationships in manuscripts, and the intersection of gender studies with literary analysis. She has published extensively on Ovid's influence, metamorphosis themes, and bestiary studies. Recent research highlights include analyses of medieval ecologies, spatial narratives, and manuscript materiality. Her contributions span academic publications, educational outreach, and media collaborations like the Netflix documentary on fabulous beasts. Professor Griffin supervises PhD students in medieval French literature and actively participates in academic societies and teaching initiatives within the Faculty.

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Edyta BojanowskaView profile

Professor

Yale UniversityUnited States

Edyta Bojanowska serves as Professor of Slavic Languages and Literatures at Yale University with an affiliated appointment in the Department of History. Her academic career bridges literary scholarship and historical analysis, focusing on imperial and postcolonial frameworks within Russian and Central European contexts. Bojanowska earned her Ph.D. in Slavic Languages and Literature from Harvard University and completed her undergraduate studies at Barnard College with a dual major in English and Russian. Her educational trajectory established the foundation for her interdisciplinary approach to Slavic studies. Her research program critically examines 19th-century Russian literature through the lenses of empire, nationalism, and globalization. Key interests include settler colonial dynamics, spatial theory, travel writing, and the interplay between ideology and literary form. She has pioneered methodologies connecting Russian cultural production to global imperial histories, particularly through her award-winning work on Goncharov's The Frigate Pallada and Gogol's Ukrainian-Russian identity negotiations. Bojanowska's publication record reveals consistent engagement with colonial paradigms in Russian literature, evolving from early studies of Gogol and Pushkin toward broader imperial frameworks. Her recent scholarship demonstrates increasing focus on racial discourse, indigenous land rights, and the spatial dimensions of empire, culminating in the Ab Imperio Award-winning analysis of Tolstoy's Bashkir estate. The thematic continuity across her work establishes her as a leading voice in post-Soviet imperial historiography. National Humanities Center Fellowship (Spring 2025) Ab Imperio Award for Best Study in New Imperial History (2022) Guggenheim Fellowship (2020-2021) AATSEEL Best Book in Literary Scholarship (2019) MLA Scaglione Prize for Best Book in Slavic Studies (2007-2008) Bojanowska actively shapes her field through editorial leadership on Ab Imperio and the PMLA Advisory Committee. Her teaching portfolio reflects her research expertise, featuring undergraduate seminars on War and Peace and Russian short fiction alongside graduate courses on spatial theory and imperial culture. Current leave status for Spring and Fall 2025 accommodates her National Humanities Center residency while maintaining her position as a central figure in Slavic literary studies.

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Merlin SellerView profile

Lecturer

University of EdinburghUnited Kingdom

Merlin Seller is a Lecturer in Design and Screen Cultures at the University of Edinburgh's Edinburgh College of Art, appointed in 2019. They teach theory and historical/cultural context across Film, Comics, Media and Game Studies. Seller co-founded the Game Worlds research cluster within the Centre for Data, Culture and Society. Education: MA from St Andrews University MSt from Oxford University PhD from University of East Anglia (UEA) on transmedia works between film, photography and painting in interwar England Seller's research interests span Game Studies, Film Studies, Horror, Non-human theory, and Queer/Trans approaches to games. Their work explores (Post-)Phenomenology, visuality in games, and the representation of nonhuman entities in screen-based media. Seller identifies as a proudly pansexual and trans academic with a background in Art History and Visual Cultural Studies. Analysis of Seller's publications reveals a strong interdisciplinary focus bridging Game Studies with critical theory. Their work frequently examines the intersection of nonhuman perspectives, queer theory, and phenomenological experience in games and film. Recurring themes include temporal mechanics, ecological consciousness, and the materiality of digital interfaces, demonstrating a consistent engagement with contemporary theoretical frameworks in media studies. Seller supervises PhD students including Yun Lu, Trina Tian (Siyu), and Danni C. Pascuma. They also teach courses such as 'Design, Play and Games,' 'Contemporary Cinema,' and 'Introduction to Queer Studies,' while supervising Honours dissertations. Seller co-organized the 'Affecting Game Space' conference through the Game Worlds research cluster. Their creative practice includes plein air paintings of videogame environments and dark comedy comics focused on speculative futures, visible through their portfolio at dearplayer.org.

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Peter FinoView profile

Assistant Professor

University of UtahUnited States

Peter Fino is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation within the College of Health at the University of Utah. He directs the Neuromechanics and Applied Locomotion Lab, which is situated within the Cognitive and Motor Neuroscience research theme. His research focuses on understanding and improving mobility in individuals with neurological dysfunction, particularly those with brain injuries, using core concepts from biomechanics and motor control to develop better diagnostic tools and rehabilitation approaches. Dr. Fino's research explores how humans maintain stability during everyday activities that require complex motor control. His primary areas of investigation include: Foot placement control during walking and turning on uneven surfaces Balance recovery mechanisms following perturbations Effects of neurological conditions like concussion and Parkinson's disease on gait Development and application of inertial sensor technology for clinical assessment Neuroanatomical correlates of motor dysfunction after brain injury Nonlinear dynamics approaches to understanding human movement His lab employs a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with engineers, clinicians, physical therapists, and neuroscientists to translate research findings into practical applications that improve people's lives. Current projects examine mobility in populations with traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological conditions, with particular focus on turning gait, dual-task performance, and objective measurement of balance recovery using wearable sensor technology. Dr. Fino actively mentors a diverse research team comprising PhD students, MS students, research coordinators, and undergraduate researchers. His lab has produced numerous graduates who have gone on to academic positions, clinical research roles, and healthcare professions. He maintains strong collaborative relationships across the University of Utah and with external institutions including Oregon Health & Science University, University of Nebraska Omaha, and US Army-Baylor Physical Therapy. The lab participates in outreach through National Biomechanics Day and partnerships with high school programs to introduce students to biomechanics and neuroscience.

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Volker BenkertView profile

Associate Professor

Arizona State UniversityUnited States

Volker Benkert serves as Associate Professor in Arizona State University's School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, with additional affiliations at the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict, Melikian Center, Jewish Studies program, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Education: Dr. Phil., University of Potsdam Staatsexam, University of Bonn Studies in History and English at Universities of Edinburgh, St. Petersburg, and Fribourg Research Focus: Benkert investigates regime change impacts on biographies in 20th century Germany through biographical interviews and discourse analysis. His work examines transmission of apologetic historical narratives across generations, focusing on German-Jewish relations, Holocaust representation, and generational identity formation. Key methodologies include comparative genocide pedagogy and media memory studies , with publications spanning German reunification impacts and DDR generational studies. Publication Trends: Recent output (2013-2022) reveals three dominant strands: 1) Comparative genocide education (collaborative works on Holocaust/Rwanda pedagogy), 2) German generational history (particularly the "last DDR generation" born circa 1970), and 3) Critical analysis of Holocaust representation in German media. His edited volumes consistently explore memory politics through generational lenses. Scientific Awards: No awards documented in provided materials. Advising & Grants: Mentored seven Honors Theses and 35+ honors contracts at ASU, plus two Master's theses. Secured collaborative funding through Arizona Holocaust Education Initiative and partnerships with USC Shoah Foundation, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Anti-Defamation League for genocide education workshops. Research Teams: Co-organizes International Comparative Genocide Symposium and Terrortimes, Terrorscapes conference series. Leads ASU's Holocaust education initiatives with Jason Bruner and Lauren Harris, developing digital tools for comparative genocide teaching.

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Elisabeth TimmView profile

Professor

University of MünsterGermany

Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Timm holds the Chair of Cultural Anthropology at the Institute for Cultural Anthropology and European Ethnology , University of Münster. With a career spanning decades, her work bridges academic research with public engagement through projects like "Erzählen Deine Gene Dir Deine Geschichte?!" , which won the 2024 Citizen-Science-Preis der Universitätsstiftung Münster. She critiques political movements opposing gender and race theory while maintaining scientific rigor. Research Focus: Her scholarship examines genealogy as knowledge practice, single-family homes as social ontologies, and the intersections of culture, science, and politics. She leads interdisciplinary projects connecting archives, museums, and citizen science initiatives. Scientific Awards: Citizen-Science-Preis (2024) Dr. Fritz Landenberger-Preis (2009) Research Fellowship in Vienna (2009) Public Engagement: Regularly participates in exhibitions like "Familienmacher" (Österreichisches Museum für Volkskunde) and debates on topics such as genetic data ethics and urban development.

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Helmut PuffView profile

Professor

University of Michigan-Ann ArborUnited States

Helmut Puff serves as the Elizabeth L. Eisenstein Collegiate Professor of History and Germanic Languages at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with joint appointments in the Department of History, Germanic Languages and Literatures, Women's and Gender Studies, and History of Art. His interdisciplinary scholarship bridges historical, literary, and visual studies with a focus on early modern European cultural formations. Education: Ph.D. in German and History from the University of Basel Professor Puff specializes in gender studies, the history of sexuality, and media history within late medieval and early modern German contexts. His foundational work on sodomy during the Reformation era expanded into broader investigations of visual culture, particularly Albrecht Dürer's art and the semiotics of ruins. Current research explores intersections of textuality, visuality, and spatiality through three-dimensional city models spanning the 16th to 21st centuries, revealing enduring cultural patterns in representing destruction and memory. His publication trajectory demonstrates a methodological evolution from historical analysis of sexuality toward interdisciplinary cultural studies, consistently connecting early modern phenomena with contemporary theoretical frameworks. Works like Miniature Monuments (2014) and After the History of Sexuality (2012) exemplify his approach to material culture and Foucauldian genealogies, while book chapters on Dürer and ruins establish critical links between artistic production and historical trauma across centuries. Academic leadership includes serving as North American co-editor of Gender and History (2002-2005), co-directing the international 'Global Turns and Gender Returns' initiative with Nancy Hunt, and a five-year term on the MLA's Divisional Committee for German Literature prior to 1700. He directed the 2011-12 Academic Year in Freiburg exchange program between the University of Michigan and Albert-Ludwigs-Universität. Through the 'Global Turns and Gender Returns' program, Puff fostered transnational scholarly networks connecting gender researchers across geographical and disciplinary boundaries, emphasizing comparative methodologies in transcultural intellectual history.

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