Find Academic Supervisors

• Economic History
• Entrepreneurial History
• Family Businesses
• +6 more

Cinzia Lorandini is an Associate Professor in Economic History at the University of Trento’s Department of Economics and Management. She holds a cum laude degree in Economics and a PhD in Business History. Her academic career includes roles as a researcher and lecturer in both the Faculty of Letters and Philosophy and the Department of Economics. She has led multiple research projects focusing on Alpine economic dynamics, family businesses, and credit markets in preindustrial and modern eras. Her research interests span entrepreneurial behavior, silk industry history, and gender roles in labor. Notable projects include archival work on the Salvadori Firm and studies on transalpine trade networks. She has received awards for her doctoral thesis and productivity as an associate professor. Lorandini has organized international conferences and workshops, including the ‘Oeconomia Alpium’ series, and serves on committees for the Società di Studi Trentini and ELHN’s Labor and Family Economy Working Group. Her teaching includes courses on economic history in Italian and English, emphasizing global and regional economic contexts.

Miriam RibulView profile

Research Fellow

• Biomaterials Design
• Circular Economy
• Textiles Circularity
• +4 more

Miriam Ribul is a Research Fellow at the Royal College of Art (RCA) within the Materials Science Research Centre (MSRC), leading the Materials Circularity research strand of the UKRI National Textiles Circularity Centre (TCC). She specializes in biomaterial design within circular socio-ecological systems, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across materials science, biology, and environmental sciences. Her work addresses regenerative bioeconomies, bio-based materials, and sustainable textile manufacturing. Ribul holds a PhD from the University of the Arts London (UAL) and has conducted research at institutions like Aalto University and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden. Her research focuses on transforming agro-food waste into biopolymers for textiles, developing circular design methodologies, and advancing bio-manufacturing techniques. Key projects include the TCC (£5.4M UKRI-funded), BBSRC Super Follow-on projects (£776k), and the British Academy’s Brazil-UK Network for Natural Polymers. Ribul’s lab, the MSRC Bio Lab, pioneers transdisciplinary material experimentation and has contributed to open innovation in biomaterials. Ribul’s publications span journals like Materials Circular Economy and Journal of Cleaner Production , emphasizing topics such as bacterial cellulose reinforcement and circular color systems. She advises companies on circular strategies and serves as a peer reviewer for journals like Nature Reviews Clean Technology . Her current research students include Hannah Auerbach George and Chiara Tommencioni Pisapia, advancing projects on material systems and closed-loop bio-based recycling.

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biosciences
• +2 more

Eduardo Lanzagorta Garcia serves as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at LIFE: The Health & Biosciences Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, specializing in sustainable materials science and biomaterials innovation. His work bridges environmental sustainability with healthcare applications through advanced material design. His research portfolio emphasizes: Nanocellulose synthesis and modification for industrial applications Antimicrobial agent development using natural compounds and recycled polymers Circular economy integration in plastic waste valorization Thermal and barrier property engineering of sustainable materials Medical textile coatings with end-of-life circularity Analysis of his 2024 publications reveals a concentrated focus on transforming post-consumer waste into high-value biomaterials, particularly through bacterial nanocellulose production from polyethylene terephthalate and antimicrobial blends enhanced with essential oils. This work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary convergence between materials science, pharmaceutical engineering, and sustainable design principles. His research contributes directly to UN Sustainable Development Goals through innovations in responsible consumption, climate action, and good health. Collaborative networks include international researchers in polymer science, biosensing, and educational technology, as evidenced by co-authorship on studies spanning antimicrobial coatings, nanoparticle synthesis, and educational methodology.

Sergio Solbes FerriView profile

Professor

• Economic History
• Military Logistics
• Colonialism and Postcolonialism
• +4 more

Sergio Solbes Ferri is a University Professor in the Department of Historical Sciences at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), affiliated with the IU of Textual Analysis and Applications. His research focuses on economic history, military logistics, colonialism, fiscal systems, and the history of the Spanish monarchy in the 18th century. He has supervised over 20 academic theses, including studies on the economic impact of European funds, Canarian trade history, and African economic challenges during decolonization. His work explores themes such as territorial fiscal privileges, defense logistics in early modern Spain, and the interplay between state institutions and private actors. Notable publications analyze the fiscal policies of Canarias, naval logistics during the War of Succession, and the economic strategies of colonial trade networks. Solbes Ferri actively contributes to interdisciplinary research on Atlantic history and comparative fiscal systems between Spain and France. He advises students in history and economics programs, emphasizing historical analysis of contemporary issues like public administration challenges and economic globalization. His research group engages in projects on military supply chains, Bourbon reforms, and the legacy of colonial fiscal systems.

Violetta Giada CannasView profile

Assistant Professor

• Operations Management
• Lean Manufacturing
• Industry 4.0
• +7 more

Violetta Giada Cannas is an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Industrial Systems at the School of Industrial Engineering, LIUC - Carlo Cattaneo University . She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Management Engineering , Politecnico di Milano, where she earned her PhD in Management Engineering (2019) and European Doctorate. Her research focuses on Operations Management with specializations in Lean Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and data-driven optimization of industrial processes.

Emilio SardiniView profile

Professor

• Electronic Instrumentation
• Biomedical Sensors
• Energy Harvesting
• +3 more

Emilio Sardini is a Professor and Director of the Department of Information Engineering at the University of Brescia. He serves as Coordinator of the Technology for Health PhD program and held prior roles such as Deputy Dean of the Engineering Faculty and Academic Senate member. His research focuses on electronic instrumentation, biomedical sensors, energy harvesting, and printed sensor technologies. He leads efforts in developing autonomous sensor systems for healthcare and industrial applications. Research Interests: Emilio's work emphasizes biomedical sensor design , printed electronics , and smart packaging systems . He explores applications in tissue engineering, environmental monitoring, and Industry 4.0 integration. Recent projects include capacitive biosensors for phenylalanine detection and aerosol-jet-printed temperature sensors for aerospace. Scientific Contributions: Over 15 years, his publications span sensor fabrication, material characterization, and IoT-enabled systems. Key themes include printed strain gauges, telemetric sensor networks, and biomaterials for regenerative medicine. Labs/Teams: Active in the Department of Information Engineering, leading multidisciplinary teams in sensor innovation and healthcare technology integration.

Laura SantamariaView profile

Professor

• Design Research
• Sustainability
• Social Change
• +5 more

Laura Santamaria is a Professor at the Royal College of Art's School of Communication, specializing in sociocultural, aesthetic and political aspects of design with a focus on meaning innovation, sustainability and social change. She brings extensive experience from previous leadership roles including Deputy Head (Research & Innovation) at Cambridge School of Art and Program Director for the MA Design and Culture at Loughborough University London. Her research focuses on perception and framing practices in design and their role in value creation, social influence and change. She develops interdisciplinary approaches for activating citizen-led paradigm change through social action, innovation and entrepreneurship, building on cultural, critical and communication theories. Santamaria leads major research initiatives including the Fair Energy Campaign and Community Action Heroes as Principal Investigator, and serves as Co-Investigator for the AHRC-funded Counter-Framing Design project. Her scholarly work spans design theory, sustainability, social innovation and cultural studies, with publications appearing in outlets like Design Issues, World Futures, and The Design Journal. Santamaria's research examines strategic design practice in shaping collective identities, mediating cultural meanings in social change processes, and enhancing creative capacity in grassroots activism. As founder and editor-in-chief of Sublime magazine, Santamaria has established herself as a leading voice in sociocultural aspects of sustainability. She has developed and led EU-funded entrepreneurship programs with Grampus Heritage since 2009, focusing on grassroots socioeconomic development through design-led social innovation. Fair Energy Campaign Public Engagement (£23K, 2021-22) The Fair Energy Campaign Pilot (£145,000, 2018-20) Counter-framing Design: Radical Design Practices (£250,000, AHRC) Climate Action Heroes (£15,000) 'Green Village' with Grampus Heritage (£1.35M, 2012-17) Santamaria is also Visiting Scholar at Loughborough University London's Institute for Design Innovation, Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Royal Society of Arts, and trustee of NGO Guardians Worldwide. Her collaborative work bridges academic research with practical applications in sustainability and social innovation across multiple sectors.

Frazen Tolentino-ZondervanView profile

Lecturer

• Global Value Chain
• Supply Chain Management
• Digitalization
• +3 more

Frazen Tolentino-Zondervan is a Lecturer and Researcher at the Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) at Wageningen University & Research, affiliated with AMSIB (CEDIS). Their research focuses on global value chains, supply chain management, digitalization, sustainability, circular economy, and fishery & aquaculture. They hold a PhD in Business Economics & Environmental Policy (2017), an MSc in Management Economics & Consumer Studies (2012), and a BS in Agribusiness Management (2007). PhD: Wageningen University & Research (2012–2017) MSc: Wageningen University & Research (2010–2012) BSc: University of the Philippines Los Baños (2004–2007) Research interests emphasize digital transformation in sustainable supply chains, circular economy practices in urban contexts, and fisheries management. Key themes include waste-to-resource strategies, municipal governance, and blockchain applications in global value chains. Recent publications analyze circular management of construction waste in European cities, digitalization in Dutch fisheries, and sustainability performance in textile industries. These works highlight trends toward data-driven logistics, zero-waste urban initiatives, and policy-driven circular economy frameworks. Received the 2025 Best Paper Designation (Top 10%) at the Academy of Management Annual Meeting Collaborations include international studies on urban resource centers (CURE+ project), editorial work for journals like Food Control and Marine Policy , and contributions to educational programs like the Minor Circular Cities initiative. Active in interdisciplinary networks, Tolentino-Zondervan has participated in over 30 conferences, workshops, and peer review activities since 2023, focusing on sustainability, logistics, and fisheries governance.

Hector Uroz RodriguezView profile

Professor

• Iberian Archaeology
• Roman Archaeology
• Romanization
• +4 more

Héctor Uroz Rodríguez is a Part-time Professor of Ancient History at the University of Murcia, affiliated with the Department of Prehistory, Archaeology, Ancient History, Medieval History and Historiographic Sciences and Techniques within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. He earned his PhD from the University of Alicante with a thesis on religion and iconography in Southeastern Iberia. His academic work focuses on the intersection of Iberian and Roman archaeology, particularly examining the complex processes of Romanization in the Iberian Peninsula. Dr. Uroz's research interests span Iberian Archaeology, Roman Archaeology, Romanization processes, History of Religion, and Iconography. His work demonstrates particular expertise in the archaeology of the Iberian Peninsula, with a focus on sacred spaces, ritual practices, and the cultural transformations during the Iberian-Roman transition period. His research combines material culture analysis with historical context to illuminate the complex interactions between indigenous Iberian societies and Roman influences. The publication record shows a consistent focus on the Libisosa archaeological site, representing a rich corpus of closed-context material from the Iberian-Roman transition period destroyed during the Sertorian War. His articles demonstrate methodological diversity, combining traditional archaeological analysis with numismatic, epigraphic, and iconographic approaches. The research reveals patterns of early Romanization, elite strategies of cultural adaptation, and the complex religious transformations occurring in indigenous Iberian societies prior to formal Roman conquest. As co-director of the Libisosa Project, Dr. Uroz has led extensive archaeological excavations at this significant site since 1996, producing numerous publications and contributing substantially to our understanding of Iberian-Roman interactions. His fieldwork extends beyond Libisosa to include important sites such as Pompeii, Pliny the Younger's villa 'in Tuscis,' and La Alcudia de Elche, demonstrating his broad expertise across Mediterranean archaeology. Dr. Uroz's collaborative work with institutions across Europe has established him as a significant contributor to Iberian archaeology. His research integrates multiple lines of evidence to reconstruct social, economic, and religious practices in ancient Iberia, with particular attention to how material culture reflects cultural identity and transformation during periods of contact and conquest.

John GravesView profile

Associate Professor

• Hydrogen Production
• Water Electrolysis
• Electrochemistry
• +9 more

Dr. John Graves is an Associate Professor of Electrochemistry at Coventry University's Centre for Manufacturing and Materials. His research focuses on hydrogen production, water electrolysis, and sustainable materials processing. He leads interdisciplinary projects like the EU-funded REWAISE initiative, which develops novel electrolysis processes to convert wastewater ammonia into hydrogen. Graves has extensive industrial experience, including four years as an R&D manager, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Chartered Chemist. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Clean Energy (SDG 7) and Responsible Consumption (SDG 12). Key projects include advanced anion exchange membrane electrolyser development and closed-loop recycling of metals from electronic waste. Graves' vision is to pioneer high-performance materials for clean energy systems, accelerating the transition to carbon neutrality. Research outputs span electrochemical innovations, including low-temperature ammonia electrolysis and bioleaching-based metal recovery. He has authored over 40 publications, with 23 citations in 2024 alone. Awards include the 2023 Knowledge Exchange Initiative of the Year and 2022 Changing the World Award. Graves supervises collaborative projects with industry partners and academic institutions, fostering knowledge exchange. His lab specializes in electrochemical synthesis, nanomaterials, and sustainable manufacturing processes.

Charlotte GoldthorpeView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Fashion Design
• Textile Studies
• Memory Studies
• +6 more

Dr. Charlotte Goldthorpe is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Design and Architecture within the School of Arts and Humanities at the University of Huddersfield. She serves as Course Leader for both Fashion Marketing and Fashion Design programs and is affiliated with the Centre for Cultural Ecologies in Art, Design and Architecture. Dr. Goldthorpe actively supervises PhD students and has developed a significant research profile spanning fashion, textiles, and memory studies. Education: PhD in Narrative-led Making exploring storytelling through objects, University of Huddersfield (2022) MA Fashion Artefact, London College of Fashion (2011) PGCE Design and Technology, Goldsmiths University (2007) BA (Hons) Design for Film and Television (First Class), Nottingham Trent University (2003) Dr. Goldthorpe's research centers on storytelling and the transmission of memories through making, with her innovative 'narrative-led making' methodology at its core. Her current groundbreaking work captures stories from ageing rubber fetishists to understand how their kink has positively impacted wellbeing throughout their lives. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges fashion design, textile studies, memory studies, and creative health, exploring how crafted artifacts can embody personal narratives and emotional experiences, particularly focusing on marginalized communities and alternative lifestyles. Analysis of Dr. Goldthorpe's publication history reveals a consistent trajectory exploring the relationship between material objects and personal narratives. Her recent work (2023-2025) increasingly focuses on wellbeing through craft, with particular emphasis on community engagement, co-production methodologies, and understanding how creative practices preserve cultural knowledge and support mental health. Her research demonstrates how material culture can give voice to underrepresented groups through innovative design approaches. Professional Activities: Regular presenter at international conferences including IFFTI and Textile Institute World Conference Active participant in research projects related to digital fashion innovation Collaborator with museums on community engagement projects Recent presentations on 'Legacy in Latex' (March 2025) and 'Oral histories of ageing fetishists' (June 2025) Chair of the 92nd Textile Institute World Conference (July 2023) Dr. Goldthorpe maintains an active industry practice as a designer, having established her own accessories business and designed for labels including 'Nomad' and 'Antithesis'. Her professional experience directly informs her academic work, particularly in digital innovation for fashion marketing where she has collaborated on projects involving 3D avatar garments featured in Innovation in Textiles (2021).

Alex Nora EsculapioView profile

Lecturer

• Sustainability in Fashion
• Environmental History and Humanities
• Queer Ecologies
• +6 more

Alex Esculapio is a Lecturer in Historical and Critical Studies at the School of Art and Media , University of Brighton. Affiliated with the Centre for Design History and the Union for Concerned Researchers in Fashion , their work bridges fashion studies with environmental humanities and queer ecologies. BA (Hons) Fashion Business BA (Hons) Textiles and Business BA (Hons) Fashion Communication and Business Research focuses on historical and contemporary cultures of (un)sustainability, queer ecologies, and trans studies in fashion. Key themes include decolonial futures, alternative consumption practices, and visual/material culture approaches to environmental history. Their recent publications explore intersections of historical knowledge and sustainable fashion , with an emphasis on oral histories and transfeminine narratives in media. Notably, they co-edited a special issue on fashioning sustainment and contributed to journals like Viscose and Critical Studies in Fashion & Beauty . As guest editor for Viscose 's 2023 issue on trans cultural production, Esculapio has shaped dialogues around gendered dress and trans models in historical contexts. Their work frequently engages with clothing libraries, design activism, and alternative knowledge systems.

Yan WangView profile

Lecturer

• Intelligent Manufacturing
• Remanufacturing
• Circular Economy
• +3 more

Dr. Yan Wang is a Principal Lecturer at the University of Brighton's School of Arch, Tech and Eng Communication, specializing in remanufacturing and sustainable manufacturing. His research focuses on intelligent manufacturing systems, circular economy strategies, and carbon accounting methodologies. He chairs BSI committee TPR1/7/3 and contributes to national standards like BS8887. Dr. Wang holds a PhD in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Nottingham and has organized high-level UK-China collaborations in remanufacturing policy. Education: PhD in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, University of Nottingham (2005) Master's in Computer Integrated Manufacturing System, Guangdong University of Technology (2000) Bachelor's in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Wuhan Textile University (1996) Research Interests: Dr. Wang's work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing remanufacturing processes, lifecycle data modelling, and net-zero manufacturing. His projects include optimizing energy-efficient machining strategies, developing predictive battery health models, and standardizing end-of-life product strategies. He leads initiatives like the BRIIM project promoting intelligent manufacturing education under China's Belt and Road Initiative. Grants & Projects: REMP: Digital Supply Chain Feasibility Study (2021-2021) BRIIM: China-UK Education Partnership (2019-2024) Parafix KTP: Manufacturing Efficiency (2019-2022)

• Environmental Health
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Nanomaterials
• +3 more

Dr. Claudiu Lungu is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), with a secondary appointment in Mechanical Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences from the University of South Carolina. His research focuses on environmental and occupational exposure to gaseous/vapor contaminants, nanomaterials for air sampling (e.g., photothermal desorption), activated carbon fibers for respiratory protection, and composite materials for environmental remediation. He directs the NIOSH-funded Deep South Center for Occupational Health and Safety, a multi-university consortium. Dr. Lungu’s work includes developing novel samplers for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), evaluating occupational heat stress, and analyzing psychosocial job stress in healthcare workers. He teaches courses such as Environmental Sampling & Analysis and oversees interdisciplinary field studies. His grants include projects on occupational safety training, airborne heavy metals, and environmental exposures in the Deep South. His research emphasizes practical applications like thermoregulative textiles, plasma-treated carbon fibers for aerosol remediation, and biomass waste utilization. He advises numerous graduate students and collaborates on studies ranging from Sri Lankan birth cohorts (linking PM2.5 exposure to low birth weight) to nanocomposite microsponges for water remediation.

• Biomass and Waste
• Energy and the Environment
• Hydrogen
• +3 more

Dr. Sandun Dissanayake is a Research Fellow at Cranfield University's Centre for Energy Decarbonisation and Recovery. His research focuses on sustainable energy systems, low-carbon hydrogen, waste-to-energy technologies, and resource-efficient waste management. He integrates interdisciplinary approaches combining materials science, chemical engineering, and nanotechnology to develop circular and low-carbon solutions. Dr. Dissanayake's work emphasizes transforming laterite materials into cost-effective nanomaterials for industrial applications, such as adsorption systems and photocatalysts. His research bridges laboratory innovations with scalable technologies, aiming to advance decarbonization strategies and sustainable resource utilization. Key contributions include studies on laterite-derived nanoparticles (hematite, magnetite, akaganeite) for environmental and industrial applications. His publications span nanomaterial synthesis, composite materials, and green technologies, reflecting a commitment to addressing climate change through practical, scalable solutions.