Find Academic Supervisors

• Nuclear Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• STEM Education
• +5 more

Dr. Tris Utschig is a Professor of Nuclear Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kennesaw State University (KSU) and Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). His roles include advancing scholarly teaching practices and supporting STEM education across KSU's Marietta and Kennesaw campuses. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in fusion technology, and dual B.S. degrees in Nuclear Engineering and Physics. His research focuses on engineering education innovations, including active learning strategies, 3D-printed laboratory tools, and pedagogical frameworks like Team-Based Learning (TBL) and Learning by Performance (LxP). Recent grants include NSF-funded initiatives on affordable lab equipment and student motivation in engineering programs. Dr. Utschig's work emphasizes accessibility, inclusive teaching practices, and institutional innovation through collaborative forums and faculty development. He has contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed articles, emphasizing practical applications of educational theory in STEM disciplines. Education: Ph.D., Engineering Physics (Fusion Technology), University of Wisconsin-Madison (2000) M.S., Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1994) B.S., Nuclear Engineering, Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1994) Research Interests: Active learning methodologies in engineering education 3D-printed laboratory equipment for mechanical/vibrations courses Engineering pedagogy and curriculum design Assessment and feedback mechanisms Inclusive teaching practices Institutional innovation in higher education Grants & Awards: NSF IUSE: $297K for 3D-printed lab devices in active learning (2020-2023) NSF S-STEM: $1M for engineering student success (2019-2024) NSF IUSE pilot: $250K for problem-solving studios (2015-2017) Advising & Leadership: Directed over 20 faculty development workshops Coordinated interdisciplinary senior design projects Co-PI on multiple NSF-funded educational initiatives Labs/Teams: Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL) Process Education Collaborative STEM Education Innovation Group

Jori ErdmanView profile

Professor

• Sustainable Architecture
• Coastal Resilience
• Environmental Design
• +3 more

Jori Erdman is a Professor of Architectural Design, Associate Director of the School of Art, Design and Art History (SADAH), and Architectural Design Area Coordinator at James Madison University (JMU), where she has been since 2018. She specializes in sustainable architecture, coastal resilience, and disaster mitigation strategies, with a focus on integrating ecological and community-oriented principles into design practices. Her work often explores the intersection of architecture with environmental challenges, such as climate adaptation and urban planning in vulnerable coastal regions. Erdman’s research encompasses topics like elevated building systems for flood resilience, Mississippi Delta restoration, and biomimicry in housing design. She has co-led initiatives such as the LSU Coastal Sustainability Studio, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement. Her scholarly contributions span academic journals and conferences, including discussions on architectural education and design frameworks as research vehicles. Her publications highlight trends in coastal sustainability, structural resilience, and the philosophical underpinnings of design. Erdman’s work bridges theoretical inquiry with practical applications, aiming to address contemporary environmental and urban challenges through innovative architectural solutions.

Daniel NordaasView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neurodiversity in Education
• Inclusive Pedagogy
• Arts-Integrated Learning
• +3 more

Dr. Daniel Nordaas serves as Lead Faculty of Liberal Studies and Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Jessup University. He oversees the Liberal Studies credential program and focuses on inclusive, creative, and student-centered pedagogy. His research explores neurodiversity, systemic ableism in education, and transformative praxis through storytelling. Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Leadership, Azusa Pacific University (2025) Master of Arts in Education, Jessup University (2020) Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design and Art Studio, California State University, Sacramento (2004) Research interests include neurodivergence, arts-integrated learning, and nature-based education. He integrates design, art, and music into teacher preparation, emphasizing creativity and nature-based practices. With 15+ years in education, he previously developed hybrid charter programs and led professional development in curriculum design. No scientific awards are explicitly listed. Advising and grants sections remain inactive. No dedicated labs or teams are mentioned, though his work emphasizes collaborative educator preparation.

Claudia GrobbelView profile

Associate Professor

• Caring Science
• Quality and Safety in Nursing
• Nursing Leadership
• +3 more

Claudia Grobbel, DNP, RN, CNL is an Associate Professor at Oakland University’s School of Nursing. She holds a DNP from Oakland University, an MSN in Nursing Administration from Oakland University, and a BSN from Wayne State University. Her research focuses on integrating caring science with healthcare quality, leadership development, and technology’s role in nursing practice. She teaches leadership and policy courses across all nursing programs and leads the Caring Studio initiative, which emphasizes experiential learning of caring practices. Key research interests include quality and safety in patient care, simulation-based education, robotics in nursing care, and holistic admissions strategies. Her work explores ethical implications of technology (e.g., robotics) in healthcare and the impact of leadership on nursing practice outcomes. Recent studies address pandemic healthcare worker experiences and AI integration in nursing education. Dr. Grobbel has secured grants including an Oberhauser Grant ($10,000) for AI faculty training and a University Faculty Research Grant ($1200) for simulation-based learning. She is affiliated with organizations like the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society and the Anne Boykin Institute for Caring Science. Her presentations span topics like AI in medical education, holistic admissions reform, and ethical robotics use in care. She has published extensively on caring frameworks, nursing leadership, and technology’s role in healthcare delivery.

Aysun Ateş AkdenizView profile

Assistant Professor

• Industrial Design Theory and Methodology
• Design Philosophy
• Aesthetic and Ethical Dimensions
• +6 more

Aysun Ateş Akdeniz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial Product Design at Istanbul Technical University's Faculty of Architecture. She holds a PhD from the same institution and has held roles including Deputy Department Chair and President of the Department Internship Commission. Her research focuses on design theory/methodology, design education, educational psychology, and socially engaged design projects like the Kapıdağ locality initiative. She has conducted studies on self-regulated learning strategies in design education and the role of trend studies in design processes. Education: PhD in Industrial Product Design, Istanbul Technical University (2015) MSc in Industrial Product Design, Istanbul Technical University (2011) BSc in Industrial Design, Istanbul Technical University (2010) Research interests emphasize the intersection of design pedagogy with cognitive strategies, user experience research, and culturally-grounded design practices. Her work explores how historical/cultural contexts influence contemporary design processes and educational methodologies. Notable projects include collaborative social design initiatives involving local communities and governance bodies. Professional activities include Erasmus Coordinator roles, research positions at Bilgi and Aydın Universities, and industry experience as a user experience researcher and designer. She has actively contributed to quality control and academic administration through various university committees since 2013. Her publications focus on design education innovation, mixed-methods research in learning strategies, and applied social design projects. Current research trends involve optimizing studio-based learning environments and understanding local production dynamics through transdisciplinary collaboration.

• Interior Architecture Education
• Digital Technologies in Interior Design
• Disaster Management in Interior Spaces
• +4 more

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orkan Zeynel Güzelci is an academic at Istanbul Technical University's Faculty of Architecture, leading the Interior Architecture Department. His roles include Department Vice Chair (2023–present) and Associate Professor since 2023. He holds a post-doctorate from the University of Porto's Faculty of Architecture (2020–2021) and a PhD from Istanbul Technical University (2012–2018). His research focuses on computational design education, disaster-resilient interior spaces, and traditional architectural forms' digital reinterpretation. Education: Post-Doctorate: University of Porto, Faculty of Architecture (2020–2021) PhD: Istanbul Technical University, Architectural Design (2012–2018) MSc: Istanbul Technical University, Architectural Design (2010–2012) Bachelor's: Istanbul Kültür University, Architecture (2006–2010) Research Interests: Integrating AI and generative algorithms into architectural education Disaster management in interior environments Historical architectural patterns' computational analysis 3D printing and digital fabrication in design Recent Research Trends: Prof. Güzelci's work emphasizes bridging traditional architectural knowledge with modern computational tools. Recent studies explore AI-driven design solutions, sustainable materials, and heritage preservation through machine learning models. His projects often combine theoretical frameworks with practical applications, such as predictive models for historical mosque elements and risk-reduction strategies for residential interiors. Awards & Recognition: 2017: 1st Prize in Aegean Region Urban Design Competition 2013: 1st Prize in Bursa Urban Design Competition 2021: EDU-AI pedagogical innovation award Advising & Grants: Prof. Güzelci has supervised numerous design studios and research projects. His grants include funding for computational design education initiatives and disaster-resilient interior design frameworks. He actively participates in international conferences and serves as a jury member for architectural competitions. Lab & Teams: Leads the Computational Design Research Group at Istanbul Technical University, focusing on AI applications in design education and heritage conservation.

• Interior Architecture
• Design Education
• Urban Culture
• +3 more

Fırat Küçükersen is a researcher affiliated with the Department of Interior Architecture at Istanbul Technical University's Faculty of Architecture. His academic journey includes a Doctorate in Industrial Product Design from Istanbul Technical University (2020) and prior studies in Interior Architecture and Industrial Design at Hacettepe University and Anadolu University. He has held roles such as Research Assistant at ITU's Interior Architecture Department since 2018. Research focuses on design education methodologies, studio practices, and the role of drawing in spatial awareness. Key interests include affordance theory, urban culture analysis, and innovative pedagogical approaches in architectural education. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical studio environments, emphasizing embodied cognition and interdisciplinary techniques. Education: PhD - Industrial Product Design (Istanbul Technical University, 2020) PhD - Interior Architecture and Environmental Design (Hacettepe University, 2019–2020) MSc - Interior Architecture Art (Anadolu University, 2016–2020) Bachelor - Interior Architecture (Anadolu University, 2009–2013) Notable awards include the International Nurten Aksugür Best Concept Communication Student Competition (2013), and urban furniture and caricature design competitions (2012, 2007). His research articles explore topics ranging from design studio pedagogy to mobile food vendor culture in urban contexts.

Sandra Denicke-PolcherView profile

Professor

• Architectural education
• Community-engaged design
• Participatory architecture
• +5 more

Sandra Denicke-Polcher is an architect, National Teaching Fellow and Associate Dean (Education) at the Royal College of Art’s School of Architecture . She has spent over two decades in UK higher education, previously serving as Deputy Head of Architecture (Acting Head 2018–19) at London Metropolitan University. Her leadership champions inclusive architectural education and alternative pathways into spatial practice, embedding global citizenship and community-engaged learning within the curriculum. Education and Academic Background: Qualified architect with extensive postgraduate teaching experience since 2000. National Teaching Fellow (AdvanceHE, 2018) and Senior Teaching Fellow (AdvanceHE, 2016). Research Interests: Sandra’s research interrogates the dynamic relationship between architectural education and live practice. She specialises in community-based, participatory design processes—termed Live Projects —that bring students and local stakeholders together to co-produce spatial solutions. Her ongoing initiative Crossing Cultures (est. 2016) links London design studios with a long-term project in depopulated Calabria, Italy, exploring agricultural adaptation to climate change and migrant settlement through blended residencies and hands-on construction. Additional interests span intercultural pedagogy, social justice in the built environment, student wellbeing, and the re-activation of underused rural territories via inclusive architectural interventions. Research Funding & Grants: Transformation Grant, London Metropolitan University (2022) Rescaling Grant, London Metropolitan University (2021) ERASMUS funded Training Programmes CAMP & CURVE with KAIROS Europe (2020) Scientific Awards & Recognition: National Teaching Fellowship, AdvanceHE (2018) Senior Teaching Fellowship, AdvanceHE (2016) Practice & External Engagement: Sandra is a founding partner of the collaborative practice public works . Their urban regeneration scheme Geesthacht an die Elbe! (Germany) received first prize for exemplary building in the public realm (2003). She regularly serves as external examiner, validation panel member and competition juror, and has delivered UN-Habitat workshops on urban regeneration. Labs, Teams & Projects: She leads and mentors through the Live Project Studio model, integrating students, community groups and not-for-profit partners such as Le Seppie (Italy). The studio functions as a pedagogical laboratory where research, teaching and civic impact converge.

• Youth Engagement
• Creative Education
• Participatory Design
• +4 more

Marianne McAra is a Research and Teaching Fellow and Subject Lead for Transformation Design at The Glasgow School of Art's School of Innovation and Technology. Her work focuses on youth engagement, creative education, and participatory design methodologies. She holds a PhD in Design from GSA and has led numerous projects exploring community collaboration, heritage contexts, and futures-oriented design. Education: PhD in Design, The Glasgow School of Art (2017) Research Interests: Marianne's research integrates action research and ethical frameworks to address challenges in participatory design, youth empowerment, and cultural heritage. She has pioneered methods like artifact-based documentation and participatory video in marginalized communities. Her work often bridges academia and practice through collaborative projects with museums, social enterprises, and local governments. Key Contributions: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles and 36 publications across design pedagogy and community engagement. Notable projects include LEAPFROG (community tools development), Glasgow's Future Stories (participatory democracy frameworks), and Serumpun (craft preservation in Borneo). Advising & Grants: Supervises MRes and PhD students in design innovation. Lead researcher on projects funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, with focus on social innovation and co-creation. Labs/Teams: Core member of the Innovation School's Transformation Design unit, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on urban futures and cultural heritage initiatives.

Emilie Taylor WeltyView profile

Associate Professor

• Public Interest Design
• Material Explorations
• Design-Build Pedagogy
• +4 more

Emilie Taylor Welty serves as Program Director for Architecture, Design-Build Manager at the Albert and Tina Small Center for Collaborative Design, and Favrot III Associate Professor of Architecture at Tulane University's School of Architecture and Built Environment. As a leader in design-build education, she bridges academic theory with practical community applications through her work at Tulane and as co-founder of Colectivo, a New Orleans-based architecture firm focused on material explorations and making as part of the design process. Her educational background includes a Master of Architecture from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Technology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Before founding Colectivo, she worked at Bild Design, bringing professional experience into her academic practice. Taylor Welty's research focuses on public interest design, material explorations, and expanding access to design through community engagement. Her work emphasizes radical incrementalism—addressing complex urban challenges through both large-scale thinking and small, actionable projects. She champions design-build pedagogy as a method that outperforms conventional architecture education by teaching complexity and collaborative problem-solving. Her research examines how social psychology intersects with architectural design, particularly in public spaces and monuments, as demonstrated by her SOM Foundation-funded project 'Public Space and Scrutiny.' Her publications reveal consistent themes in community-based design, post-disaster reconstruction in New Orleans, and the educational value of design-build studios. The articles show progression from foundational work in design-build pedagogy (2017-2018) to more interdisciplinary approaches combining architecture with social psychology (2020-2022), culminating in recent explorations of digital fabrication within design-build education (2024). National Practice and Leadership award from the AIA/ACSA Collaborative Practice Award from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture SOM Foundation interdisciplinary research prize for 'Public Space and Scrutiny' Malcolm Heard Award (mentioned in press) Barbara Moely service learning teaching award (mentioned in press) Taylor Welty has led over thirty applied research projects through Tulane's design/build studios, creating transformative community spaces like Grow Dat Youth Farm and Parisite Skatepark. Her grant-funded work includes the SOM Foundation's 'Public Space and Scrutiny' project conducted with colleagues Tiffany Lin and Dr. Lisa Molix. She mentors students through hands-on community projects that address real-world challenges in New Orleans neighborhoods, teaching them to be 'better designers, makers, and citizens' while advancing community partnerships. As Design-Build Manager at the Albert and Tina Small Center for Collaborative Design, Taylor Welty leads a team that works with non-profits on planning, visioning, and design-build projects throughout New Orleans. The Center serves as Tulane School of Architecture's community design hub, connecting faculty expertise with community needs. Notable projects include Sugar Roots Farm Outdoor Classroom, Prisoner's Apothecarts, Rubarb Community Bike Shop, and Hotel Hope Playscape—each demonstrating her commitment to using architecture as a tool for social change and community empowerment.

• Computer Graphics
• Motion Capture
• Artificial Intelligence
• +9 more

Dr. Zhidong Xiao serves as Principal Academic (Associate Professor) at Bournemouth University's National Centre for Computer Animation within the Faculty of Media and Communication. With over ten years of leadership experience including roles as Programme Leader, Head of Education, and Deputy Head of Department, he drives academic strategy and research innovation in computer animation and digital media. His work bridges technical excellence with creative industry applications through extensive collaborations across the UK and China. Dr. Xiao's educational foundation includes a PhD in Computer Graphics (2010) and postgraduate certificates in Education Practice (2010) and Research Degree Supervision (2011) from Bournemouth University, complemented by a BEng (Hons) in Thermodynamics from Taiyuan University of Technology, China (1994). PhD in Computer Graphics, Bournemouth University (2010) PGCE in Education Practice, Bournemouth University (2010) PGCE in Research Degree Supervision, Bournemouth University (2011) BEng (Hons) in Thermodynamics, Taiyuan University of Technology (1994) His research spans Computer Graphics, Motion Capture, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual Reality with focus on physics-based simulation, sign language recognition, and motion synthesis. Recent work integrates partial differential equations with machine learning to solve animation challenges in facial realism, deformation simulation, and 3D reconstruction. His interdisciplinary approach connects computer science with creative industries, healthcare applications, and educational technology while advancing core techniques in neural rendering and motion analysis. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent innovation in physics-based animation techniques (40%), motion capture processing (25%), and neural approaches to 3D reconstruction (35%). Key trends include the fusion of analytical physics models with deep learning architectures, development of efficient real-time simulation methods, and expansion into accessibility applications through sign language recognition systems. Scientific recognitions include: Fellow of British Computer Society (2023) Fellow of Higher Education Academy (2011) Best Poster Award at Pacific Graphics 2014 He maintains active peer review roles for EPSRC, ESRC, IEEE Transactions on Multimedia, and ACM SIGGRAPH conferences. Dr. Xiao has supervised seven PhD students to completion while currently guiding Alexandra Sergeeva Alexdottir's research on Phantom Touch phenomena. His grant portfolio demonstrates strong industry-academia collaboration: Principal Investigator Capturing and representing sign language (British Council, 2025) VE Communication Programme (Erasmus+, 2020) Co-Investigator Rehabilitation Enhancement via Motion Capture (BU Fusion Fund, 2013) Cross-Channel Film Lab (Interreg, 2012) Digital Beijing Opera Project (2010) As a core member of Bournemouth's Computer Graphics and Visualisation Research Group and Centre for Digital Entertainment, he leads initiatives in motion capture technology through AccessMocap Studio. His international outreach includes invited lectures across China on computer animation education and visual effects techniques, strengthening global partnerships in creative technology development.

• Industrial Heritage Conservation
• Adaptive Reuse
• Computational Design
• +3 more

Kutay Karabağ is a full-time Instructor and Researcher in the Department of Architecture at İstanbul Bilgi University, where he has taught since 2013. He coordinates the 4th-year Architectural Design Studio and Restoration/Conservation Studio, while lecturing on computational design history and theory. He holds a B.Sc. (1997), M.S. (2001), and Ph.D. (2010) in Architecture from Middle East Technical University, with research focusing on virtual space conceptualization and computational methodologies for traditional settlements. His professional experience includes founding AtolyeM Architects (1998-2013), specializing in historical building restoration and urban design projects. Research interests include: Industrial heritage conservation and adaptive reuse of sites like coal facilities and factories Computational design methodologies applied to architectural heritage Urban identity transformation in post-industrial landscapes Vernacular architecture preservation techniques His publications demonstrate evolving focus from theoretical computational frameworks to applied heritage conservation. Recent works analyze adaptive reuse potential of industrial structures using case studies from Turkey, while earlier scholarship established computational approaches to traditional settlement analysis. As studio coordinator, he integrates heritage conservation challenges into curriculum design, having supervised projects on adaptive reuse of industrial sites like the Antalya Weaving Factory and Karşıyaka Train Station.

Craig HigginsView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Fashion Design
• Luxury Fashion
• Craftsmanship
• +4 more

Craig Higgins is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Art and Media, University of Brighton, specializing in Fashion, Textiles, and 3D design. He bridges industry experience with academia, focusing on heritage craftsmanship, luxury fashion, and innovative pedagogy. His professional background includes collaborations with renowned designers and international fashion houses, alongside leadership roles in course development and teaching. Education: Began at the University of Brighton (BA 1996), followed by a PG Certificate in Learning and Teaching for Higher Education (2009). Holds over 14 years of teaching experience across UK institutions including London College of Fashion and Norwich University of the Arts. Research interests center on materiality, craftsmanship, and the intersection of digital and manual methods in fashion design education. A 2011 Student Experience award recognizes his teaching contributions. Current work explores tacit knowledge in artisanal practices and the embodiment of value in luxury goods. External roles include Trustee of the Graduate Fashion Foundation since 2016. His scholarship spans fashion design pedagogy and creative technical skill development, with a focus on studio-based learning and design translation.

Eva KultermannView profile

Associate Professor

• Sustainable Construction
• Energy-Efficient Design
• Building Materials
• +1 more

Eva Kultermann is Associate Professor and Associate Dean of University and Academic Affairs at Illinois Institute of Technology's College of Architecture. With professional background as a carpenter and contractor, her work focuses on energy-efficient and resource-conscious construction practices. She teaches materials, sustainable design, and community-based studios, emphasizing hands-on learning and civic engagement. As faculty mentor for AIAS Freedom by Design, she develops partnerships between students and community organizations for architectural interventions. Awards recognize her teaching excellence, including the national AIAS Educator Honor Award. She co-authored the textbook Construction Materials, Methods, and Techniques and develops educational modules on commercial construction.

Barry AdamsonView profile

Visiting Professor

• Music Composition
• Film Scoring
• Soundtrack Production
• +3 more

Barry Adamson serves as a Visiting Professor at Manchester Metropolitan University's School of Digital Arts (SODA), leveraging his decades-long career as a musician, film composer, and multidisciplinary artist. Born in Manchester's Moss Side on June 11, 1958, he transitioned from punk rock origins with Magazine and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds to a distinctive solo career blending Motown, jazz, and cinematic 'northern noir' aesthetics. His educational background includes studies at the New York Film Academy, complementing his experiential learning in music and film. Key research interests span music composition for visual media, psychological narrative structures in soundtracks, urban cultural documentation through photography, and the fusion of literary noir with contemporary pop sensibilities. His creative practice examines Manchester's cultural legacy while innovating across album production, film scoring, and literary forms. Adamson's creative output reveals consistent thematic evolution from punk experimentation to sophisticated genre synthesis, with recurring motifs of urban alienation, cultural memory, and sonic storytelling. His works demonstrate cross-medium pollination where musical compositions inform film scores, and literary narratives shape album concepts. Notable recognitions include: Mercury nomination for Soul Murder Best Short Story Award at Piemonte Noir Italian festival for Maida Hell No formal student advising or research grants are documented in available materials. Adamson operates as an independent creative practitioner without institutional lab affiliations, maintaining active production across music, film, and literature without team-based structures.