Simon Mills is Professor of Ethnomusicology in Durham University's Department of Music, specializing in Korean shaman music and ritual performance traditions. His research combines ethnographic fieldwork with musical analysis of Korean ritual practices. Key research domains: Korean shaman ritual music Instrumental performance traditions Music's role in healing practices Musical transcription methodologies Publications extensively document Korean musical heritage, including studies of Buddhist temple chanting, shamanic artistry, and folk traditions. Recent work focuses on performance style transmission and cultural preservation. Supervises five doctoral students researching Asian music traditions. Maintains active performance practice on Korean percussion instruments including changgo drum and tanso flute.
Harald Kucharek is a Research Professor in the Physics & Astronomy Department at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), part of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. He is affiliated with the Space Science Center and holds a dual Ph.D. in Physics from the Technical University of Munich and an M.S. in Physics from the University of Regensburg. His research focuses on heliospheric physics, interstellar medium interactions, and space plasma dynamics, leveraging data from missions like IBEX and Solar Orbiter. Dr. Kucharek's work centers on understanding the global structure of the heliosphere, interstellar neutral gas flow, and particle acceleration at shocks. He has contributed to studies of pickup ions, energetic neutral atoms (ENAs), and magnetic reconnection processes. His teaching includes courses on Space Plasma Physics and Magnetohydrodynamics of the Heliosphere. He has been involved in over 22 grants (2005–2024), including mission-related research for IMAP and interstellar probe concepts. Key research trends include analyzing IBEX observations of interstellar helium and oxygen, investigating shock dynamics and ion acceleration, and modeling the heliospheric boundary. His recent work explores the implications of hybrid simulations and multi-spacecraft data for understanding plasma behavior in extreme environments. Collaborations with institutions like NASA and ESA highlight his role in advancing space physics through both observational and theoretical contributions.
Zag Davaadorj is an Associate Professor of Finance at Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business. He holds a Ph.D. in Finance from Texas A&M International University (2019), a Master's in Applied Data Science from the University of Michigan, and a B.B.A. in Business Administration from the Mongolian University of Science and Technology. He is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and has certification in Financial Technology from Harvard University. His research focuses on Financial Technology, Behavioral Finance, and Digital Economics, with a particular emphasis on peer-to-peer lending, corporate risk management, and the impact of digital divides on financial inclusion. He has held visiting research roles at Michigan Technological University and has over five years of industry experience in high technology. His work explores topics such as CEO imprinting effects, credit risk assessment, and the role of social capital in financial decisions. Teaching interests include Financial Technology and Financial Planning. His scholarly contributions have been published in journals like the Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance and the International Journal of Managerial Finance . Prior to WMU, he taught at Wayne State University and the University of Wisconsin Parkside.
Michael C. Ashton is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Brock University, Canada. He holds a Ph.D. from Western University and specializes in personality psychology, focusing on personality structure, measurement, and their applications to social psychology and evolutionary theory. His research explores traits such as Honesty-Humility, Agreeableness, and the HEXACO model, emphasizing self-report and observer-based assessments. He has authored key texts like Individual Differences and Personality (2018) and co-authored The H Factor of Personality (2012), examining personality correlates of life outcomes, political attitudes, and religious behavior. His work spans cross-cultural studies, integrity testing, and the relationship between personality and pro-social behaviors. Ashton’s research integrates theoretical and empirical approaches, addressing issues like the predictive validity of personality inventories, age-related changes in personality traits, and the role of HEXACO factors in workplace behavior. He has contributed to debates on the structure of personality dimensions, advocating for a six-factor model (HEXACO) over traditional five-factor frameworks. Current interests include birth order effects, prosocial lying, and the interplay between personality and environmental attitudes. His academic outputs include influential papers on personality assessment methodologies, the Dark Triad traits, and the role of personality in predicting academic and professional outcomes. Notable collaborations with Dr. Kibeom Lee have solidified the HEXACO model’s international recognition. Ashton is also involved in graduate supervision, though he is currently not accepting new students.
Elaina Hyde is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at York University, serving as Director of the York Allan I. Carswell Observatory. She is affiliated with the Faculty of Science and eligible to supervise graduate students in the Physics and Astronomy program. Her research focuses on galactic archaeology, galaxy formation, and data science for astrophysics, leveraging cloud computing and machine learning. She has contributed to major initiatives like the GALAH survey and studies of the Sagittarius stream. Her work combines observational astronomy with technical leadership in telescope operations and public outreach. Hyde is also a certified Google Cloud Trainer and Engineer, integrating industry-level data science practices into academic and educational contexts. Education & Professional Background : While specific educational details are not listed, her roles indicate advanced expertise in astrophysics and data science. She has held technical and leadership positions in telescope operations and academic observatories. Research Interests : Hyde's work bridges computational and experimental astrophysics, emphasizing: Galactic archaeology via chemical and kinematic analysis of stellar populations Data-driven approaches to galaxy formation modeling Development of automated spectroscopic pipelines (e.g., GALAH survey) Machine learning applications for spectral classification and dimensionality reduction (e.g., t-SNE techniques) Astronomy education through public telescope access and interdisciplinary training Publications Overview : Her recent work focuses on the GALAH survey's chemical and kinematic inventory of the solar neighborhood, Sagittarius stream dynamics, and machine learning-enhanced spectral analysis. Key themes include stellar abundance trends in open clusters, tidal debris identification, and multi-survey data integration with Gaia. Labs & Teams : Leads the York Allan I. Carswell Observatory, fostering observational astronomy research and public engagement. Collaborates with global telescope networks and industry partners in cloud computing.
Anthony Julian Tamburri serves as Dean of the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute at Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY), and holds the position of Distinguished Professor of European Languages and Literatures. With a career spanning over fifty years since beginning as a high school Italian teacher in 1972, Tamburri has established himself as a leading scholar in Italian and Italian American studies, advocating for the recognition and institutionalization of these fields within academia. Tamburri's research encompasses literature, cinema, semiotics, interpretation theory, and cultural studies, with particular focus on the relationship between Italian studies and Italian diaspora studies. He has authored sixteen books and over one hundred essays in English and Italian, dividing his intellectual work evenly between Italian and Italian American subject areas. His scholarship critically examines issues of ethnic identity, cultural representation, and the historical experiences of Italian immigrants in the United States, challenging the marginalization of Italian American culture in academic settings. His recent publications reveal consistent focus on challenging misconceptions about Italian American identity, advocating for proper historical understanding, and examining political dimensions of ethnic representation. Tamburri's work addresses the tension between 'authentic Italian' culture and Italian American cultural expressions, arguing for recognition of Italian American culture as a legitimate tradition. His scholarship frequently intersects with contemporary political issues regarding immigration, citizenship, and ethnic representation in American society, particularly critiquing the absence of Italian American studies in graduate programs despite New York's large Italian American population. Cavaliere dell'Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana (Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic) As Dean of the Calandra Institute, Tamburri has been instrumental in promoting Italian American studies, though he has expressed frustration that CUNY lacks structured graduate programs in Italian American or Italian Diaspora studies beyond limited MA courses at Queens College. He advocates for creation of master's and doctoral programs to train professionals who can properly research and propagate Italian American history and culture, following the vision of Giovanni Schiavo, whom Tamburri considers the founding voice of Italian American studies. Tamburri also maintains an active Substack newsletter where he engages with current issues affecting Italian Americans.
Dr. Siavash Vahidi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on understanding the structure, function, and dynamics of large biomolecular machines, particularly those involved in protein degradation in pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis . He employs advanced techniques such as mass spectrometry (H/D exchange, native MS) and high-field NMR spectroscopy to study these systems. His lab is actively recruiting students and postdocs, emphasizing a commitment to diversity and training in cutting-edge methodologies. Education: BSc in Chemistry, National University of Iran, Tehran PhD in Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Toronto & The Hospital for Sick Children Research: Key interests include the M. tuberculosis proteasome system, ClpP proteases in human mitochondria, and the role of allostery in substrate selection. The lab’s integrative approach combines structural biology with biochemical and computational methods, aiming to identify novel drug targets for tuberculosis and other diseases. Awards: Paul de Mayo Award for Best PhD Thesis Lab & Training: The Vahidi Lab emphasizes interdisciplinary training, offering expertise in mass spectrometry, NMR, and computational tools (e.g., Python, Linux). Supported by grants and collaborations, the lab fosters an inclusive environment with a strong focus on mentorship. Lab Resources: Website: Vahidi Lab Twitter: @VahidiLab
Jean Zu is the Lore E. Feiler Dean of the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science at Stevens Institute of Technology and holds the rank of Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. She previously served as Department Chair of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto (2009–2017), advancing from Assistant Professor (1994–1999) to Full Professor (2004–2017). Her academic journey includes a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Tsinghua University (1984–1986) and a PhD from the University of Manitoba (1993). Her research focuses on mechanical vibrations, mechatronics, and energy harvesting, with applications in biomedical instrumentation and advanced materials. She has authored over 330 journal/conference papers, secured 50+ grants, and supervised nearly 70 graduate students. Notable awards include the John B. Stirling Medal, Fellowships from AAAS and ASME, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Zu’s work spans energy harvesting technologies (e.g., piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators), structural dynamics, and smart materials. Her grants include strategic funding for wind energy transmission systems and biomedical devices. She holds patents on energy harvesting methods and robotic systems. Her leadership includes roles in academic administration, industry partnerships (e.g., Pratt & Whitney, Litens Automotive), and interdisciplinary projects like the Synchronized Segmentally Interchanging Pulley Transmission System (SSIPTS). She actively contributes to professional societies such as ASME and AAAS.
Lisa Holland is a Professor in the C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry at West Virginia University (WVU), affiliated with the Eberly College of Arts and Science. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has been a faculty member at WVU since 2002. Her research focuses on developing miniaturized analytical separation techniques, particularly capillary electrophoresis and microfluidics, to analyze biological pharmaceuticals, glycans, nanoparticles, and disease markers. She leads the Holland Group, which collaborates with institutions like The Ohio State University and NIOSH. Education: B.S., Chemistry, University of Maryland, College Park Ph.D., Analytical Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Kansas (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) Research Interests: Her work emphasizes bioanalytical methods for characterizing biopharmaceuticals, glycosylation patterns, and viral enzymes. Techniques include capillary electrophoresis with nanogel matrices, mass spectrometry interfacing, and low-cost microfluidic devices for education and diagnostics. Publications & Awards: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work on nanogel-based enzyme assays and microfluidic educational tools. Recognized with NIH R01 and NSF awards. Active in professional societies like the American Chemical Society. Grants & Leadership: Principal Investigator on projects funded by NIH, NSF, and industry. Served as Chair of the ACS Chromatography Division. Developed REU programs to engage undergraduates in nanotechnology research. Labs/Teams: Leads the Holland Group at WVU, focusing on bioanalytical chemistry and separation science. Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams in nanotechnology, virology, and environmental analysis.
Simon Cabulea May is an Associate Professor at the Department of Philosophy , Florida State University . He holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University (2004) and has contributed extensively to debates in Social and Political Philosophy , Ethics , and Philosophy of Law . Education: Ph.D. in Philosophy (2004), Stanford University Research Interests include democratic theory, liberal political legitimacy, claim-rights frameworks, and moral compromise ethics. His work interrogates tensions between utopian ideal theory and pragmatic political practice, emphasizing the role of shared responsibility and procedural justice in reconciling conflicting moral convictions. Publication Trends reveal a focus on reconciling Rawlsian political theory with contemporary challenges in moral disagreement, religious exemptions, and polygamy ethics. His 2024 article critiques epistemic peerhood arguments, while 2021 works explore strict compliance assumptions in justice frameworks and reductive theories of directed duties. May's scholarship bridges normative ethics and institutional design , with recurring themes of political reconciliation , public reason , and democratic legitimacy across secular and religious contexts.
Chun Yuan, PhD is a Professor in the Radiology & Imaging Sciences department at the University of Utah School of Medicine, with an adjunct appointment in Biomedical Informatics. His research focuses on atherosclerosis imaging , magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology , and vascular health assessment using advanced imaging techniques. Education: PhD in Radiology & Imaging Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine BS in Physics, Beijing Normal University Research Interests: Dr. Yuan's work explores atherosclerotic plaque characterization , carotid artery imaging , and intracranial vessel wall analysis . He develops novel MRI sequences for simultaneous noncontrast angiography , plaque hemorrhage detection , and quantitative vascular assessments . His studies often integrate biomechanical modeling and AI-driven image analysis to improve stroke risk stratification and atherosclerosis monitoring . Scientific Contributions: Dr. Yuan has pioneered MRI techniques like SNAP (Simultaneous Non-Contrast Angiography and Intraplaque Hemorrhage) and iCafe (Intracranial Artery Feature Extraction) . His research demonstrates correlations between plaque composition and cardiovascular outcomes , with applications in diabetes , hypertension , and lipid-lowering therapies . Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA) Fellow of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (FISMRM) Collaborations: He collaborates with institutions globally, including the Chinese Atherosclerosis Risk Evaluation (CARE-II) Study and European Society of Cardiology initiatives . His work bridges clinical cardiology , neuroradiology , and biomedical engineering .
Chihwa Kao is a Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Connecticut, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on panel data econometrics, structural change analysis, cointegration, high-dimensional models, and time series econometrics. He has extensively contributed to methodologies addressing cross-sectional dependence, factor models, and non-stationary panel data. Key research interests include developing robust statistical techniques for panel data, testing for structural breaks in economic relationships, and analyzing economic growth factors. His work bridges theoretical econometrics with practical applications in finance and policy analysis. His articles emphasize advancements in panel data methodologies, such as bias-correction in dynamic models, clustering techniques for fixed effects, and handling serial correlation. Recent trends show a focus on high-dimensional data challenges, factor models, and structural stability assessments in large datasets. Awards and honors are not explicitly listed in the provided materials. He advises no students listed here, but his courses include Econ5315/3315 and Econ5323/4323. His CV and additional materials are available via provided links.
Jan Bernauer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Stony Brook University with a joint position at RIKEN BNL Research Center. He obtained his Ph.D. from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in 2010 and previously held research positions at MIT from 2010-2018. Education: Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (2010) Diplom in Physics, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz His research focuses on precision nuclear physics at the intersection of particle and nuclear physics, including proton form factor measurements, two-photon exchange effects, and beyond-Standard-Model searches. Current projects involve sPHENIX streaming readout, MUSE (muon scattering), and TPEX (two-photon exchange) experiments. Research outputs emphasize precision measurement techniques, with recent work on detector development (40% of publications) and QCD fundamentals (30%). Collaborative projects span 15+ institutions including MIT, DESY, and Jefferson Lab. Awards & Recognition: Infinite Kilometer Award (MIT, 2017) NSF Career Award Stony Brook Foundation Award Research Teams: Leads a group with 2 postdocs, 3 graduate students, and 4 undergraduates developing novel detector systems for RHIC and EIC. Current grants support instrumentation development for streaming readout in particle physics experiments.
Dr Alexandru Cernat is a Senior Lecturer in Social Statistics at The University of Manchester, affiliated with the Cathie Marsh Institute. His research focuses on data collection methodologies, longitudinal data analysis, and measurement error reduction. He specializes in latent variable models, mixed mode surveys, and integrating digital trace data with traditional datasets. Key projects include improving crime data accuracy through statistical modeling and analyzing socioeconomic health disparities using biomarker data. He has received the UKHLS Methods Fellowship and holds leadership roles in statistical societies. Research Interests: Survey Methodology Latent Variable Modeling Data Quality Enhancement Mixed Mode Design Digital Trace Data Integration Awards: UKHLS Methods Fellowship (2019) Vice Chair, Royal Statistical Society Social Statistics Committee (2019) Grants & Collaborations: Leads projects on crime data accuracy, longitudinal measurement equivalence, and biosocial survey methods. Collaborates with institutions like the London School of Economics and University College London on health inequality studies. Labs/Teams: Core member of the Cathie Marsh Institute's survey methodology team and leads the Longitudinal Data Analysis research group.
Associate Professor Leow Wee Kheng is affiliated with the Department of Computer Science at the School of Computing, National University of Singapore . His career spans over three decades with expertise in medical image analysis , computer vision , and surgical simulation . Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Texas at Austin (1994) M.Sc. in Computer Science, National University of Singapore (1989) B.Sc. in Computer Science, National University of Singapore (1985) His research focuses on medical image analysis for craniofacial surgery and stroke diagnosis, 3D modeling of anatomical structures, and computer vision techniques like robust PCA and texture analysis . Recent work includes knee joint motion modeling and forearm rotation simulation for clinical applications. Key trends in his 2017-2025 publications involve skull reconstruction algorithms , multi-objective optimization for digital media, subject-specific biomechanical modeling , and low-rank decomposition techniques in visual computing. Collaborations include institutions like Singapore General Hospital and National Taiwan University Hospital . Scientific Awards : CAIP 2017 Best Paper Award 2007 Andrew P. Sage Best Transactions Paper Award Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (AY2015/16) Annual Teaching Excellence Award (AY2015/16) He has mentored numerous students in medical imaging , computer vision , and biomedical modeling . Current and former advisees include Chen Ying , Vineta Lum Lai Fun , and Long Huizhong (Ph.D.).
