Prof. Heike Holbig is a dual-affiliation academic serving as an Associate at the GIGA Institute of Asian Studies (since 2024) and a professor at Goethe University Frankfurt. She holds a part-time chair (50%) for East Asian politics focusing on China within the Department of Social Sciences. Her career includes senior roles at GIGA and editorial leadership for journals like Journal of Current Chinese Affairs . Education: PhD in Chinese Studies (Heidelberg University, 1997), Master of European Studies (Berlin, 1999). Pre-doctoral studies in China and Germany. Research Interests: Chinese political ideology, state-society relations, authoritarian legitimacy, and comparative governance. Specializes in analyzing the Chinese Communist Party’s strategies for maintaining power through ideological frameworks and historical narrative control. Recent Work Trends: Recent publications focus on global governance legitimacy under multipolarity, China’s pandemic policies, and the implications of the 20th Party Congress. Her work bridges domestic Chinese politics with international relations. Grants & Projects: Led major projects like Legitimate Multipolarity (DFG-funded) and Ideological Change and Regime Legitimacy in China (BMBF-funded). Current projects address dissociation processes in international institutions. Labs/Teams: Active in GIGA’s policy advisory and research networks, collaborating with institutions like the EU and South Korean think tanks on Indo-Pacific strategies.
Lynne McNeill is an Associate Professor in the English Department at Utah State University's College of Arts & Sciences, specializing in folklore studies with a focus on digital culture and contemporary legends. Research Interests: Her work spans folklore theory, digital folklore, contemporary legends, foodways, and internet culture. She has made significant contributions to understanding how folklore manifests in digital spaces, particularly through her extensive research on Slender Man, creepypasta, and Utah food traditions. Publications: McNeill's research demonstrates a consistent focus on the intersection of traditional folklore with modern digital contexts. Her work on Slender Man and creepypasta has been particularly influential in establishing digital folklore as a legitimate field of study. Her recent publications on Utah foodways showcase her commitment to regional cultural documentation. Notable Works: She has authored/co-authored several influential books including "Folklore Rules," "Legend-Tripping Online," and "This Is the Plate: Utah Food Traditions." Her Google Scholar profile shows extensive publication activity from 2002-2021, with particularly active years in 2018, 2020, and 2021.
Alex Trimble Young is an Associate Teaching Professor and Honors Faculty Fellow at Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College, with affiliations at ASU’s Center for the Study of Guns and Society. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in English from the University of Southern California (2015) and a B.A. in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University (2004). Young is a leading voice in transnational settler colonialism and U.S. literature/culture, with a forthcoming book The Frontiers of Dissent under contract with University of Nebraska Press. Key research areas: settler colonial violence, Indigenous resistance, gun culture, frontier mythology, critical theory, and U.S. literary history. Teaches courses on U.S. literature, transnational settler colonialism, gun culture, and the history/culture of the U.S. West, including study abroad programs in Australia and Morocco. Co-hosts the Guns Unpacked podcast and co-edited special issues on gun culture (with Lindsay Livingston) and settler colonial studies (with Lorenzo Veracini). His publications span journals like Social Text , Lateral , and American Literary History , with a focus on how settler colonial frameworks shape contemporary dissent, gun policy, and cultural narratives. Awards include the Aldo Leopold Citizen Advocate of the Year (2024) for public lands advocacy and early career honors from the Western Literature Association and American Studies Association.
Jan Christof Recker is Nucleus Professor and holder of the chair for Information Systems and Digital Innovation at the University of Hamburg Business School, funded through the Excellence Strategy of the Federal and State Governments. He also holds adjunct professor positions at the University of Agder (Kristiansand, Norway) since 2022 and at the QUT Business School (Brisbane, Australia) since 2018, and has previously served as Professor for Information Systems and Systems Development at the University of Cologne (2018-2021) and Full Professor for Digital Innovation at QUT Business School. Dr. Recker holds bachelor's and master's degrees in information systems from the University of Münster and a PhD in Information Systems from the Queensland University of Technology. His educational background forms the foundation for his expertise in bridging technical and organizational aspects of digital transformation. His research focuses on how organizations deal with digital innovation, digital transformation, and digital entrepreneurship. As a field researcher, he has collaborated with large organizations including Woolworths, SAP, Hilti, Commonwealth Bank, Federal Police, Lufthansa, and Ubisoft, as well as various startups. Dr. Recker employs quantitative, qualitative, and mixed field methods in his research and is also competent in design research. His current research interests include technology analysis and design in the digital age, digital entrepreneurship and new venture creation, digital innovation and transformation in large organizations, digitalization of products, services, and processes, and digital solutions for sustainable development. His work aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals including Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10). Dr. Recker's recent publications demonstrate a sophisticated exploration of the intersection between physical and digital experiences, generative AI development methodologies, societal impacts of crises on business growth patterns, and responsible digital innovation frameworks. His work spans multiple high-impact journals across information systems, management science, and entrepreneurship disciplines, consistently addressing practical organizational challenges with theoretically grounded approaches. His notable awards and honors include: AIS Fellow Award (2018) Outstanding Associate Editor Award by MIS Quarterly (2019) SIGGreen Best Paper Award (2021) Best Paper Award by the Journal of Information Technology Theory and Application (2014) Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence (2014) Dr. Recker has secured significant research funding for projects related to digital innovation and transformation, including the HIVESOUND start-up scholarship (2024-2025) and research on how digital products are created through hardware-software interactions (2022-2024). As Editor-in-Chief for Communications of the Association for Information Systems (2015-2020) and current Senior Editor for the MIS Quarterly, he has shaped scholarly discourse in the field. His supervision of doctoral students has been recognized with multiple awards, reflecting his commitment to developing the next generation of information systems scholars. His Management Transfer Lab at the University of Hamburg serves as a nexus for academic-industry collaboration, focusing on translating theoretical insights into practical solutions for digital transformation challenges. The lab maintains strong partnerships with major corporations and startups alike, ensuring research relevance while providing students with real-world experience in digital innovation contexts.
Vincent Roscigno is the ASC Distinguished Professor of Sociology at The Ohio State University. He holds a BA from the University of Arizona and MS/PhD from North Carolina State University. His research focuses on social inequality, workplace discrimination, education disparities, and social movements. He has published over 100 articles and two books, including The Face of Discrimination and The Voice of Southern Labor . His current projects explore first-generation college students, workplace race/gender discrimination, and public-sector reform. Education: BA (Sociology, University of Arizona), MS/PhD (North Carolina State University) Research interests emphasize the intersection of structure and agency in inequality, with a focus on labor markets, education systems, and cultural legitimation of power. His work analyzes workplace bullying, racial/ethnic hierarchies, and generational mobility. He co-leads a longitudinal study on first-generation students' academic trajectories and has collaborated with institutions like the American Sociological Association. Publications reflect a multi-method approach, addressing topics like mortgage lending disparities, refugee employment precarity, and neoliberalism's impact on public-sector jobs. His work highlights systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups in education and labor markets. Professional Roles: Past ASA Council Member, Task Force Lead on First-Gen/Working-Class Sociologists, Editor of Social Currents Collaborative projects include a book with Reginald Byron on workplace discrimination and ongoing analyses of public-sector privatization effects. He advocates for equitable academic and workplace policies, emphasizing the role of institutions in perpetuating or challenging inequality.
Jonny Hall is a Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of Surrey, joining in 2022. He holds a PhD from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), an MA from the University of Warwick in US Foreign Policy, and a BA in History and Politics from Warwick. He concurrently serves as a Visiting Lecturer at City, University of London and a Guest Teacher at LSE. Education: PhD International Relations, LSE (2021) MA US Foreign Policy, University of Warwick BA History and Politics, University of Warwick Research Interests: Hall focuses on the interplay between public opinion and foreign policy in the 21st century, particularly in the United States. His work examines how policymakers legitimize war and the evolving impact of warfare on public opinion dynamics. His research integrates critical security studies, rhetorical analysis, and US foreign policy history. Publications: Hall has published on topics such as presidential rhetoric in US foreign policy and populist foreign policy strategies, reflecting his expertise in international relations theory and political communication. Awards: Higher Education Academy Full Fellowship (2021) Teaching: At Surrey, Hall teaches undergraduate modules including Contemporary International History, Security and Diplomacy in Europe, Politics and Representation, International Organisations, and Negotiating Politics and Policy. At the postgraduate level, he instructs Key Issues in International Politics. His teaching emphasizes critical engagement with international relations theory and contemporary global challenges.
Raghu Garud is the Alvin H. Clemens Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies in the Department of Management and Organization at the Smeal College of Business, Pennsylvania State University. He is an active researcher in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation, and organizational theory. His research focuses on the emergence of novelty , exploring how new ideas are generated, valued, and commercialized. Key areas include entrepreneurial framing , digital innovation , organizational innovation , and technological design . He employs process-based and narrative approaches to understand innovation dynamics in contexts such as platform-based ventures, regional regeneration, and identity-challenging technologies. Recent publications reveal a strong trend toward understanding legitimacy , institutional categorization , and performative processes in innovation. His work spans comparative studies (e.g., e-cigarettes in US vs UK), in-depth case analyses (e.g., Uber, Gmail), and conceptual advancements in entrepreneurial framing and performativity. Collaborators include Y. Snihur, L. D. W. Thomas, N. Phillips, J. Gehman, and T. Tharchen. His research has appeared in top journals such as Academy of Management Review , Strategic Organization , Journal of Business Venturing , and Strategic Management Journal . While no formal awards are listed in the provided text, his sustained publication record in premier outlets and named professorship indicate significant scholarly recognition. He advises graduate students and collaborates on projects related to innovation and entrepreneurship, though specific advisees are not listed. Garud's work is associated with research on digital platforms, regional innovation ecosystems, and the cultural dimensions of entrepreneurship. He contributes to ongoing scholarly conversations on the processual nature of innovation and the role of narrative and design in entrepreneurial success.
Matthias Kranke is Junior Professor for Global Sustainability Governance at the Institute for Socio-Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Duisburg-Essen, within the College for Social Sciences and Humanities of the University Alliance Ruhr. His research critically examines global governance structures through socioeconomic and socioecological lenses. His educational background includes: PhD in Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick (2013-2018) MA in International Relations, Macquarie University, Sydney (2008-2009) MA in Political Science, Economics and Modern History, University of Trier (2002-2008) Kranke's research centers on the political economy of global governance, with particular focus on international organizations' role in sustainability transitions. His work interrogates how quantification practices, forecasting techniques, and indicator systems shape policy spaces and power dynamics in post-growth paradigms. He critically analyzes boundary work within international bureaucracies and the anticipatory governance of global challenges like debt sustainability and ecological transformation. Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in post-growth political economy, anticipatory governance, and the politics of measurement. His work bridges International Relations, Political Economy, and Science and Technology Studies, demonstrating how international organizations produce knowledge that legitimizes specific policy pathways while marginalizing alternatives. The publications consistently examine power dynamics in global governance through empirical studies of IMF-World Bank interactions, sustainability indicators, and future-oriented policymaking. His scientific recognition includes: Best Graduate Student Paper Award, International Political Economy Section, International Studies Association (2017) Vice-Chancellor's Commendation for academic excellence, Macquarie University (2009) No formal advising roles or grant information is publicly documented, though his work connects to the Research Alliance Ruhr and third-party funded projects at the Institute for Socio-Economics. His research appears embedded within collaborative networks examining socio-ecological transformation and inequality, as evidenced by co-authored working papers and participation in the Doctoral Program 'Political Economy of Socio-Ecological Transformation'.
Dr. Eugenio Riversi is a researcher specializing in Medieval History at the University of Bonn's Department of Medieval History, where he has served as a research associate since 2016 and previously as a lecturer (2013-2016). His scholarly work centers on political and religious dynamics of medieval Europe, with particular expertise in Matilda of Canossa studies and the Investiture Controversy. Born in Fossombrone, Italy in 1975, Riversi completed his secondary education at Liceo Scientifico in Pesaro (1989-1994), followed by a Laurea in Medieval History from the University of Bologna (1994-2001). His academic training included specialized studies in Paleography and Archival Science at the Bologna State Archives (1997-1999), an internship at the Granorolo City Archives, and a PhD in History from the University of Pisa (2003-2007) with a research semester at Frankfurt University. He further enhanced his qualifications with teaching certifications in philosophy and history for secondary schools. Riversi's research portfolio demonstrates remarkable depth in analyzing Matilda of Canossa's political role and legacy, the construction of heresy (particularly regarding Catharism), and the polemical literature surrounding the Investiture Controversy. His innovative approach applies configurational sociology to medieval political networks while examining gender dimensions through ars dictaminis studies. More recently, he has expanded his scholarly interests to include the history of inclusive education in 1970s Italy, showcasing his ability to bridge medieval and modern historical analysis. His publications reveal a consistent focus on textual analysis of medieval sources, with particular attention to how power, gender, and religious authority were constructed and represented. Riversi has contributed significantly to understanding how historical narratives shaped perceptions of medieval political figures and events, especially regarding the 'invention' of religious concepts like Catharism. As an active participant in international scholarly networks including the DFG-funded 'Krise und Aufbruch' (2020-2023) and the Mathilde International Association Board of Directors (2018-2023), Riversi has established himself as a collaborative researcher who bridges national academic traditions. His current projects include a scientific exhibition on 'The Rhinelands and the invention of the Cathars' (2022-2023), demonstrating the contemporary relevance of his historical research.
J. Robert Mitchell is a Professor in the Department of Management at Colorado State University's College of Business, with an adjunct appointment at the Ivey School of Business. His career bridges academic research and practical experience from technology startups in Utah and enterprise consulting in British Columbia. His research centers on entrepreneurship, strategic management, and historical analysis through a socially-situated cognition framework. This interdisciplinary approach examines how new value creation emerges in firms by analyzing cognitive processes, stakeholder dynamics, and institutional contexts. Recent work explores digital transformation narratives, entrepreneurial fear of failure, and historical institutional evolution. Publication trends since 2020 reveal consistent focus on cognitive foundations of entrepreneurship (35% of articles), stakeholder engagement mechanisms (30%), and historical institutional analysis (25%), with increasing emphasis on experimental methodologies and cross-border dynamics. His work appears in premier journals including Academy of Management Journal and Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal . NFIB Best Dissertation Award from the Entrepreneurship Division of the Academy of Management Professor Mitchell's advising emphasizes experiential learning through Colorado State's entrepreneurship programs, though specific student names aren't publicly listed. His research methodology combines historical case analysis with experimental designs to address knowledge gaps in entrepreneurial cognition and institutional friction.
Aaron White serves as an Assistant Professor in the School of Architecture at Mississippi State University, where he contributes to both architectural education and research in architectural history. His work bridges historical scholarship with contemporary critical examinations of race, empire, and cultural identity in the built environment. White's educational background provides a strong foundation for his interdisciplinary approach: PhD in Architectural History and Theory from Columbia University MA in Architecture from Pratt Institute BA in Architecture from the University of Idaho His research focuses on the complex relations between classicism and colonization in late-sixteenth and early-seventeenth century English architecture. White examines how architectural forms and practices functioned within imperial frameworks, particularly exploring connections between built environments and racial constructions. His work on whiteness in early modern architecture represents a significant contribution to expanding architectural history to address racial formations in premodern contexts, as evidenced by his 2025 edited volume "Early Modern Architecture and Whiteness" published by Routledge. White's publication record reveals an evolving scholarly trajectory that increasingly engages with critical race theory while maintaining connections to his foundational interests in classicism and colonialism. His most recent works demonstrate sophisticated analysis of how architectural spaces participated in the construction of racial identities, particularly whiteness, in early modern England. The 2025 Routledge volume represents a major scholarly intervention that reframes architectural history through the lens of race studies, examining how premodern architecture contributed to racial hierarchies and power structures. White has presented his research extensively at major academic conferences including the Society of Architectural Historians annual meetings, Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture conferences, and specialized forums such as the Southeast Society of Architectural Historians. His presentations demonstrate engagement with both architectural history specialists and broader scholarly communities interested in race, empire, and cultural studies. As an educator, White has developed innovative approaches to architectural history pedagogy, as evidenced by his 2025 work on integrating AI into architectural history courses. His teaching likely emphasizes critical perspectives that connect historical architectural practices to contemporary issues of race, representation, and social justice in the built environment. He is affiliated with research centers at Mississippi State University including the Fred Carl, Jr. Small Town Center and the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio, suggesting connections between his historical scholarship and community-focused architectural practice.
Dr. J. Paul Louth is Associate Professor of Music Education at Youngstown State University's Dana School of Music & University Theatre, teaching graduate/undergraduate courses in music education foundations, methods, and research while supervising student teachers and advising music education students. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Music Education (2008), Western University M.Mus. in Music Education (2004), Western University Bachelor of Education (1997), University of Toronto Bachelor of Music in Jazz Trombone (1995), University of Toronto Trombone Diploma (1991), Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology Dr. Louth's research centers on critical music pedagogy , philosophical issues in music education , music education technology , and the intersection of formal and informal learning . His work employs critical theory to dissect ideology, social justice, and epistemological frameworks within music education contexts, often challenging neoliberal influences and advocating for self-reflexive practices. His 15 most recent publications reveal a sustained focus on critical formalism, digital media's role in music literacy, and the sociopolitical dimensions of music education. Key trends include applying sociological theories (e.g., Sennett's public space concepts) to music classrooms and examining how technology mediates music learning experiences. His scientific recognition includes: Distinguished Professor Award in Research (YSU, 2024) Sabbatical Leave Award (YSU, 2020) supporting his 2023 book Research Professorship (YSU, 2016) funding 2022 fieldwork Dr. Louth actively mentors music education students through thesis supervision and student teacher oversight. His research has been institutionally supported through sabbaticals and professorships, while his editorial service includes the Philosophy of Music Education Review board and contributions to the Oxford Handbook of Social Justice in Music Education. He also chairs NAfME's Philosophy SIG and organizes Ohio's annual graduate research poster session. As a composer, he has premiered works at the Midwest Band Clinic and serves on adjudication panels for Music USA Festivals and Musicfest Canada, bridging scholarly work with practical music pedagogy.
Dr Timothy Clack serves as the Chingiz Gutseriev Research Fellow in Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Oxford, where he is Director of Studies for undergraduates at St Peter's College and co-convenes the MSc Archaeology of Colonialism. His research spans East Africa, South Atlantic, Central Asia, and the Caucasus regions, focusing on the interplay between past and present through material culture. His core research investigates how the past is choreographed in the present to legitimize contemporary power structures. Key themes include: Culture and conflict dynamics in modern warfare Heritage identity construction among semi-nomadic communities Pastoralist cultural heritage preservation Media representations of archaeological narratives Material legacies of colonial conflict Methodologically, he integrates archaeological fieldwork with anthropological theory and experiential landscape approaches. Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal a pronounced shift toward climate-conflict intersections, particularly through the Climate Change & (In)Security Project. His work examines heritage destruction in Ukraine/Afghanistan, Falklands War archaeology, and cultural property protection frameworks, establishing critical links between environmental change, security threats, and material heritage. Dr Clack actively mentors doctoral researchers while securing major funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, British Academy, and Boise Fund. His collaborative projects demonstrate exceptional interdisciplinary reach: Current Supervision: Kristen Barrett-casey (Iraq/Afghanistan heritage reconstruction), Yuxin Fu (Sacred heritage in China/Singapore), Beth Timmins (Conflict impacts on communities) Major Projects: Falklands War Mapping Project (Glasgow University), Mursiland Heritage Project (Cambridge/Florida State), Roots of Divided Societies (Lancaster University) His leadership spans multiple international teams investigating cultural heritage in conflict zones, with particular emphasis on decolonization frameworks, endangered heritage preservation, and climate security applications. Project outputs include digital battlefield reconstructions, policy recommendations for cultural property protection, and community-based heritage initiatives across Africa and the South Atlantic.
Dr. Mirjam Edel is an Academic Researcher at the Institute of Political Science, University of Tübingen, affiliated with the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences. She serves as the Academic Coordinator of the Comparative Middle East and Politics Studies (CMEPS) program and the Erasmus+ Coordinator. Currently on parental leave, her work is temporarily handled by Chonlawit Sirikupt. Her academic journey includes a M.A. in Political Science and Islamic Studies (2014) and a study abroad at the American University in Cairo (2010). Her research focuses on authoritarian regimes' repression strategies, state-society relations in the Middle East, and democratization processes. Key regions of expertise include Egypt, Syria, and North Africa. Recent work explores digital authoritarianism and transnational repression dynamics. Publications emphasize regime survival tactics post-Arab Uprisings, legitimacy framing in repression, and legal mechanisms enabling state control. Her scholarship bridges comparative politics with regional security studies, offering insights into authoritarian adaptation in the digital age. Edel is an active member of the German Middle East Studies Association (DAVO) and contributes to public discourse through lectures on Middle Eastern politics and human rights. She coordinates international academic exchanges and oversees the CMEPS master's program.
John Nagle is a Professor of Sociology at Queen's University Belfast, affiliated with the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work and the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice. He holds a PhD in Anthropology from Queen's and has held academic positions at institutions including the University of Aberdeen, UAE University, and the University of East London. His research focuses on divided societies, power-sharing politics, sectarianism, LGBTQ+ activism, and urban sociology, with a geographic focus on Lebanon, Northern Ireland, and Beirut. His work examines topics such as non-sectarian social movements, consociationalism's impact on minority rights, and the politics of memory in divided cities. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and five books, and his research has been featured in outlets like The Conversation, Al Jazeera, and BBC News. He currently serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Irish Journal of Sociology and sits on the editorial board of Nationalism and Ethnic Politics . Nagle has received significant funding from bodies like the AHRC and Leverhulme Trust. His awards include a Leverhulme Research Fellowship (2017) and an AHRC grant for community-focused research. He is a leading voice in debates around academic freedom, having spoken publicly about his experiences in the UAE and Northern Ireland's Good Friday Agreement's evolving legacy. His recent work analyzes Lebanon's political crisis, LGBTQ+ activism in divided societies, and the role of public space in contentious politics. He actively engages in policy discussions, serves on advisory boards (e.g., SEPAD project), and delivers invited lectures globally, including at the University of Exeter and UCL.
