Find Academic Supervisors

Janice ParkView profile

Assistant Professor

• Piano Performance
• Music Pedagogy
• Chamber Music
• +3 more

Dr. Janice Park is an Assistant Professor of Music and Coordinator of Secondary Piano at Chapman University's Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music, where she has taught since 1995. Her roles include teaching Applied Piano, Piano Pedagogy, and Piano Studio classes, alongside active performance and leadership activities. Education Chapman University - Bachelor of Music University of Southern California - Master of Music University of Southern California - Doctor of Musical Arts Dr. Park's research and creative work focuses on piano pedagogy, performance education, and collaborative recitals. Her scholarship includes exploring techniques for teaching dynamic control in piano performance and producing chamber music recordings with composition faculty works. Her artistic career spans solo, ensemble, and collaborative performances, including world-premiere concerts in South America and California, and collaborations with the Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings and Los Angeles Philharmonic musicians. Scientific Awards The Shaun Naidoo Legacy Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music (2018) Dr. Park mentors students who have earned top honors in festivals and competitions. She actively contributes to professional organizations like MTNA, MTAC, CAPMT, and Pi Kappa Lambda, serving as Vice President/Program Chair for MTAC Orange County Branch and former Board Member of the Musical Arts Club of Orange County.

Aleksander EssexView profile

Associate Professor

• Cybersecurity
• Cryptography
• Secure Computation
• +8 more

Aleksander Essex is an Associate Professor of Software Engineering in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Western University's Faculty of Engineering. He runs Whisper Lab, the Western Information Security and Privacy Research Laboratory, where he conducts research in cybersecurity, cryptography, and secure computation with the goal of making the world a safer, more private place. Dr. Essex's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Computer Science (2012) from the University of Waterloo M.A.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (2008) from the University of Ottawa B.E.Sc. in Computer Engineering (2004) from Western University His research focuses on both offensive and defensive aspects of information security and data privacy. In offensive research, he investigates cryptographic protocol and implementation vulnerabilities in TLS and related web security technologies. In defensive research, he specializes in secure multi-party computation with applications to trustworthy electronic voting and secure health informatics. His work aims to secure democratic institutions in the digital age through the development and standardization of trustworthy, publicly accountable election practices and technology. Dr. Essex's recent publications show a strong focus on election security, privacy-preserving technologies, and cryptographic protocols. His work spans multiple domains including election technology, health informatics, and general cybersecurity applications. Many of his recent papers examine verifiable online voting systems, genomic data privacy, and secure computation techniques. His scientific achievements include: Recipient of the Best Paper Award for "Online Voting in Ontario Municipal Elections: A Conflict of Legal Principles and Technology?" (2019) NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholar during his Ph.D. studies Dr. Essex actively advises graduate students, with several current and completed Ph.D. and Master's students. He serves on multiple university committees including CyberSmart and the Working Group on Information Security (WIGIS). His research bridges theoretical cryptography with practical applications that address real-world security and privacy challenges.

Jonathan ColeView profile

Professor

• Contemporary Music
• Experimental Composition
• Music-Theatre
• +4 more

Professor Jonathan Cole is a composer, teacher, and conductor at the Royal College of Music (RCM), where he has taught since 2005 and served as Head of Composition since 2022. His work bridges experimental composition, music-theatre, and site-specific pieces, earning acclaim from the London Sinfonietta, which premiered three of his works and recorded Testament with Oliver Knussen. Born 1970, Cole studied under Simon Bainbridge, Malcolm Williamson, and Louis Andriessen 1997-2006: Works like Ouroboros II and Testament nominated for RPS Awards 2006: Shift toward Luigi Nono-inspired works, exploring score-performer dynamics and London's environmental sounds 2009-2013: Composer-in-association with London Contemporary Orchestra, premiering burburbabbar za (wordless opera) Co-founded re:sound collective in 2012 for unconventional venue performances Cole’s compositions, such as Lucier Clock (2021) and 50 Florentine Breaths (2016), emphasize spatialization, breath techniques, and the tension between structure and decay. His 2025 co-authored article Personal realities I examines artistic identity in conservatoires. Scientific Awards: Royal Philharmonic Composition Prize (1999) RCM Fellowship (2018) RPS Award Nominations for Ouroboros II and Testament Cole mentors research students like Daniel Musashi and has led educational grants such as the Leverhulme LPO Young Composers Scheme (2007-2012). He collaborates with ensembles including the London Sinfonietta, BBC Philharmonic, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Urszula KrygerView profile

Professor

• Classical Vocal Performance
• Art Song Interpretation
• Opera
• +3 more

Professor Urszula Kryger, Ph.D., serves as Dean of the Faculty of Vocal and Acting Studies at the G. and K. Bacewicz Academy of Music in Łódź since the 2012/2013 academic year, following her tenure as Head of the Vocal Studies Department (2008-2012). A distinguished mezzo-soprano, she has maintained an international performance career while advancing vocal pedagogy through master classes and competition juries. Her educational background includes dual degrees from the Academy of Music in Łódź: Instrumental Studies in Piano (1988) and Vocal Studies in Acting (1992), supplemented by advanced vocal training under Andrzej Orłowicz in Copenhagen. This foundation informs her holistic approach to vocal artistry. Kryger's research focuses on Classical Vocal Performance with specialization in Art Song Interpretation and Polish Musicology . Her scholarly work centers on authentic performance practices of Chopin, Szymanowski, and Moniuszko, emphasizing textual nuance and historical context in art song. She investigates chamber music collaborations as interdisciplinary laboratories for vocal expression, with particular attention to the interplay between text, timbre, and emotional authenticity. Her publication trajectory reveals deep engagement with Polish musical heritage , progressing from foundational recordings of Russian repertoire to definitive interpretations of Szymanowski and Żeleński. The consistent Fryderyk Award recognition demonstrates scholarly impact in preserving and reinterpreting national musical identity through rigorous vocal scholarship. 2001 Fryderyk Award for 'Russian Duets' (DUX) 2002 Fryderyk Award for 'Moniuszko's Songs' and 'Karłowicz/Szymanowski's Songs' 2004 Fryderyk Award for 'K. Szymanowski's Songs' (Channel Classics) 2006 Karol Szymanowski Foundation Award 2012 Fryderyk Award for 'Żeleński - Pieśni' As an educator, Kryger mentors through master classes across Europe and serves on international competition juries. Her academic leadership includes departmental administration and shaping curriculum for vocal performance programs. Collaborative projects with ensembles like the Tokyo String Quartet and Petersen Quartet demonstrate her commitment to interdisciplinary artistic research. Kryger maintains active performance partnerships with distinguished musicians including Hartmut Höll, Charles Spencer, and Pascal Rogé, while conducting research through recording projects that serve as both artistic output and pedagogical resources for vocal students.

• 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.

Mara GibsonView profile

Associate Professor

• Music Composition
• Cross-disciplinary Collaboration
• Contemporary Classical Music
• +3 more

Mara Gibson is an Associate Professor of Composition at Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Music, where she serves as area coordinator with tenure. Originally from Charlottesville, VA, Dr. Gibson completed her Ph.D. at SUNY Buffalo after graduating from Bennington College. She has also studied at London College of Music, L'École des Beaux-Arts in Fontainebleau, France, and the International Music Institute at Darmstadt, Germany. Dr. Gibson's creative work spans contemporary composition with emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaborations. Her music has been described as "shocking, gripping and thought-provoking... conjuring a flurry of emotions" (PARMA Recordings). She is a regular collaborator with choreographers, visual artists, writers, and filmmakers, with notable projects including the ArtSounds initiative which ran for 11 years at UMKC. Her recent compositions demonstrate consistent innovation in technique and interdisciplinary approaches. Works like Escher Keys (2021), a bassoon concerto inspired by M.C. Escher, and Galetea's Dream (2021/23), a staged song cycle, showcase her ability to merge visual art concepts with musical expression. Her compositions often draw inspiration from poetry, visual arts, and natural phenomena, resulting in works that are both technically sophisticated and emotionally resonant. Dr. Gibson has received numerous prestigious awards including: LSU Provost Fund for Innovation in Research ($7,500 for "The Devil's Dream" opera, 2024) GRAMMY nomination eligibility for "Unseen World" album (2024) ATLAS grant through Louisiana Board of Regents ($32,000 for bassoon concerto project, 2021) MacDowell Colony Fellowship (2016) Virginia Center for the Arts residency (2015) Yale University Distinguished Music Educator Award (2015) As an educator, Dr. Gibson has significantly expanded the composition program at LSU, more than doubling its size since her arrival. She founded the Constantinides New Music Ensemble, which debuted at Carnegie Hall in April 2022. Previously, at UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance, she coordinated undergraduate composition and tripled enrollment in the program. She is currently working on her first opera, "The Devil's Dream," based on Lee Smith's novel and inspired by the country music powerhouse Carter family.

Ed HughesView profile

Professor

• Composition
• Music Technology
• Historical Music Studies
• +4 more

Ed Hughes is a Professor of Composition in Music at the University of Sussex's School of Media, Arts and Humanities. His roles include Head of Music (2013-2018), Deputy Head of School, and Associate Dean for Education. He holds a BA from Cambridge University (1987-1990), an MPhil (Cambridge), and a PhD in Composition from Southampton (2000-2004). His research focuses on composition techniques, music technology, and interdisciplinary projects like Syncphonia, a notation system aiding ensemble performance. Notable works include operas like States of Innocence (2024) and orchestral pieces inspired by landscape, such as Music for the South Downs (2022). He has received grants from AHRC, Arts Council England, and the South Downs National Park Authority. Hughes has supervised numerous PhD students in composition and music technology. His awards include the British Composer Award (2014) and commissions from Brighton Festival and the Mahogany Opera Group. Collaborations with psychologists and educators highlight his commitment to music education and accessibility.

• Piano Performance
• Chamber Music
• Spanish Piano Literature
• +3 more

Natalia Ricci is a Senior Lecturer in Piano at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, part of the University of Sydney. She holds dual appointments in the Piano and Ensemble departments and has also served as Keyboard Coordinator for the Chamber Music Program. Her teaching spans tertiary and pre-tertiary levels, including leadership of the Open Academy Rising Stars Piano Division. Education: BMus University of Cincinnati (USA), MMus Royal Northern College of Music (UK) Research Focus: Spanish piano literature (Albeniz, Granados, de Falla), Janáček's works, and chamber music performance practice She pioneered the Encuentros Españoles Festival (2013-2022), a landmark event showcasing Spanish music through concerts, workshops, and scholarly symposia. Her pedagogical approach integrates biomechanical efficiency with artistic expression, emphasizing technical mastery, sound production, and interpretive depth across diverse repertoires. Notable achievements include performances at major international festivals (Banff, London Objective, Sydney Festival), recordings for BBC/ABC radio, and mentoring students who've won top prizes in competitions like the Sydney International Piano Competition, Chopin in Wavel, and Franz Liszt Youth Competitions. Her students consistently excel in national competitions including Lev Vlassenko and Sydney Eisteddfod events. Ricci's professional engagements include adjudicating international competitions and delivering masterclasses globally, with upcoming appearances at the 2025 International Festival of Music in Iasi, Romania. She maintains active links with institutions across Australia, Europe, and Asia through teaching, performance, and research collaborations.

Thomas HydeView profile

Lecturer

• Music Composition
• Music Analysis
• Music Theory
• +4 more

Dr Thomas Hyde is a Lecturer in Music Composition and Education at King's College London's Department of Music, within the Faculty of Arts & Humanities. He concurrently holds a senior research fellowship at Worcester College, Oxford. His roles include chairing the Lucille Graham Trust, supporting London-based music education projects, and serving as a Vice-President of the Presteigne Festival. Hyde's career spans teaching at City University and a junior fellowship at the Royal Academy of Music, where he was later elected an Associate in 2017. His creative output includes orchestral works like the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra's Symphony and the opera 'Aiding and Abetting' (2019-22). His research focuses on composition pedagogy, music analysis, and theoretical frameworks. Notable publications include edited volumes on Stephen Dodgson and David Matthews, and contributions to journals like Twentieth-Century Music and Musical Opinion Quarterly . His compositions often explore orchestral and choral forms, reflected in works like Magnificat and Orpheus with his Lute . Hyde's academic contributions emphasize bridging compositional practice with pedagogy, evidenced by his teaching roles at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. His articles and edited works demonstrate expertise in British musical traditions, symphonic structures, and 20th-century composers.

Alla VoskoboynikovaView profile

Academic

• Piano Performance
• Keyboard Studies
• Chamber Music
• +3 more

Alla Voskoboynikova is an Associate Teaching Professor of Music and Director of Keyboard Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). She holds a Bachelor’s in Piano Performance from Voronezh Music College (Russia) and a Master’s from Moscow’s Gnessins Academy of Music. Her career includes solo performances at Carnegie Hall and collaborative work with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Union Avenue Opera Company. She has organized cultural exchange concerts in Russia and directs UMSL’s Summer Keyboard Camp. Education: Voronezh Music College (BA, 199?), Gnessins Academy (MA, 1996) Research focuses on piano pedagogy, chamber music collaboration, and Russian/Ukrainian musical heritage. Notable projects include Shostakovich’s 100th-anniversary recitals and Mendelssohn bicentennial performances. She actively mentors students in competitions and international tours. Recent performances include collaborations with Arianna String Quartet, Stella Markou, and Christine Brewer. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes cultural exchange and interdisciplinary artistry, with students performing at major St. Louis venues like Touhill Performing Arts Center.

• Chamber Music
• Violin Performance
• Classical Music
• +1 more

Rainer Schmidt is a Universitätsprofessor (Professor) of Violin and Chamber Music at the Mozarteum University's Strings Department and Institute for Chamber Music. He has been teaching chamber music there since 1988 and assumed a concurrent professorship in violin and chamber music at the Basel Music Academy in October 2007. His musical training included studies with Atila Aydintan in Hanover and Dorothy Delay in Cincinnati, alongside mentorship from Walter Levin, Ivry Gitlis, Tatjana Grindenko, and Nicolaus Harnoncourt. Professionally, he joined the renowned Hagen Quartet in 1987 and co-founded the Ravinia Piano Trio in 1989, performing internationally. His career bridges performance excellence in string ensembles with academic leadership in classical music pedagogy. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided text, though his ensemble performances and academic roles reflect significant contributions to the field.

Helen DromeyView profile

Teaching Professor

• Music Education
• Instrumental Pedagogies
• Inclusive Education
• +3 more

Dr Helen Dromey is a Principal Teaching Fellow in Music Education and Enterprise at the University of Southampton, serving as Associate Director of the Centre for Music Education and Social Justice. She teaches on the Education pathway of the MMus Music programme, focusing on instrumental pedagogies, inclusive music education, and whole-class ensemble tuition (WCET). Her research explores adaptations to instrumental teaching to enhance pupil engagement, collaborating with music hubs and charities to promote equitable practices. Education background includes a PhD from the University of York (2024), BMus and MMus from King’s College London, PGCE from the University of Chichester, and LRAM from the Royal Academy of Music. Her doctoral work introduced the 'Be a Musician' (BeAM) approach for post-WCET learners. External roles include Course Leader for the European String Teachers Association (ESTA) PG Cert, consultancy for ABRSM’s Teacher Hub, and mentorship for UK Music Masters teachers. She retains active teaching roles in violin and viola.

• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• +5 more

Xiaofei Xie is an Assistant Professor at the School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS), Singapore Management University (SMU). He received his PhD from Tianjin University in 2018 and was a postdoctoral researcher at Nanyang Technological University (2018-2021) before joining SMU in 2022. His research focuses on software engineering, AI systems, and cybersecurity. Dr. Xie's primary research areas include program analysis, software testing, vulnerability detection, and quality assurance of AI systems. His work spans: Testing methodologies for autonomous systems and games AI security including backdoor detection and model robustness Automated program repair and code generation Formal methods and semantic code analysis His recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on AI/ML system testing, cybersecurity applications, and program analysis techniques. Research trends show increasing focus on LLM-based program repair, autonomous system validation, and federated learning security. Major Awards: ACM SIGSOFT Distinguished Paper Awards (ASE'23, ISSTA'22, ASE'19, FSE'16) CCF Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award (2019) 3rd place in AI Singapore's Trusted Media Challenge (2022) Wallenberg-NTU Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship (2019) APSEC Best Paper Award (2020) He currently advises 7 PhD/Master's students including CHENG Mingfei, KONG Jiaolong, and YU Jiongchi. Dr. Xie leads research in software reliability and AI security at SMU's SCIS.

Danilo PérezView profile

Professor

• Global Jazz
• Music Composition
• Panamanian Folk Music
• +7 more

Danilo Pérez is a Grammy Award-winning Panamanian pianist, composer, and educator, currently serving as the Founder and Artistic Director of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute at Berklee College of Music in Boston. He is also the Artistic Director of the Panama Jazz Festival and holds the prestigious title of UNESCO Artist for Peace and Cultural Ambassador for Panama. Educational Background: National Conservatory of Panama (Classical Piano) Berklee College of Music (Jazz Composition) Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics, Panama Danilo Pérez’s research and artistic interests center on Global Jazz , a genre he pioneered by fusing Panamanian roots, Latin American folk music, West African rhythms, and European impressionism. His work transcends music, promoting it as a multidimensional bridge for community, democracy, and social change. He emphasizes values such as listening, compromise, and discipline in his teaching, viewing music as a tool for personal and societal transformation. His recent artistic works, including albums like Lumen (2024), Crisálida (2022), and Children of the Light (2015), reflect a consistent trend of spiritual depth, cross-cultural collaboration, and narrative composition. These works explore themes of identity, history, and human connection, often commissioned by major institutions like Carnegie Hall and the Banff Centre. His compositions range from intimate piano trios to large orchestral and chamber pieces, demonstrating a mastery of both improvisational jazz and structured composition. Scientific and Artistic Awards: Grammy Award (2006, 2019) United States Artists Fellowship (2018) Smithsonian Latino Center’s Legacy Award (2009) Gloria Career Achievement Award (2015) Boston Music Awards (1999, 2000) UNESCO Artist for Peace (2012) Former UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Danilo Pérez has been a dedicated mentor and educator, advising and influencing generations of jazz musicians through his leadership at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute and the Panama Jazz Festival. His work has been supported by major commissions from Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Detroit Jazz Festival, among others. He has not received traditional research grants but has secured significant artistic funding through fellowships and institutional commissions. His leadership extends to founding the Danilo Pérez Foundation, which provides music education for youth in Panama. Labs and Teams: Pérez leads the Berklee Global Jazz Institute , a dynamic educational and performance lab that fosters innovation in jazz. He also directs the Panama Jazz Festival , a major international event and educational platform. His primary performance ensembles include the Danilo Pérez Trio , the Children of the Light (with John Patitucci and Brian Blade), and the Global Messengers , all of which serve as living laboratories for his global jazz philosophy.

Sergio Muñoz LeivaView profile

Academic

• Chamber Music
• Viola Performance
• Music Pedagogy
• +6 more

Sergio Muñoz Leiva is a Professor of Practice in Music and Director of Chamber Music at the Department of Music, College of the Holy Cross, where he teaches viola, chamber music, and music theory. He is also a Lecturer and Music Lesson Instructor, maintaining an active presence in both performance and education. Education: D.M.A., The Juilliard School M.M., Eastman School of Music B.M., New England Conservatory Sergio Muñoz Leiva is a dedicated music educator and performer whose work centers on chamber music, music pedagogy, and holistic performance practice. His teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, embodiment of knowledge, and the integration of students’ lived experiences into musical learning. He is passionate about making music theory accessible and meaningful by linking analytical concepts directly to performance. His research and professional interests include Karen Tuttle’s Coordination system, interdisciplinary learning, and the emotional and physical dimensions of musical expression. Although no formal research articles are listed, his educational and performance activities reflect a deep engagement with music theory, analysis, and performance practice across historical periods—from Baroque to contemporary works. He has premiered pieces by Paola Prestini and Nico Muhly and performs on both modern and baroque viola. Sergio actively mentors students through private instruction and institutional teaching, currently accepting students in Providence, RI, Boston, MA, and online from Chile and Venezuela. He has previously taught at The Juilliard School, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, and City College Academy of the Arts. He currently teaches music theory at Project STEP in Boston. He is a member of the Providence Baroque Orchestra and has performed with ensembles such as A Far Cry, Palaver Strings, and the United Nations Chamber Music Society, appearing at venues including Carnegie Hall, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Municipal Theater in Santiago. His artistic collaborators include Kim Kashkashian, Rachel Podger, and Nicholas Phan.