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Ana Celia Zentella is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Ethnic Studies at the University of California, San Diego, renowned for pioneering "anthro-political linguistics" that examines language through sociopolitical and justice-oriented frameworks. Her work centers on U.S. Latin@ language communities, challenging linguistic discrimination and advocating for language rights. Education: Ph.D. in Educational Linguistics, University of Pennsylvania M.A. in Romance Languages and Literatures, Pennsylvania State University B.A. in Spanish, Hunter College (Bronx) Zentella's research critically analyzes U.S. Latin@ varieties of Spanish and English, Spanglish, and language socialization in families, with particular focus on Puerto Rican communities. She exposes how English-only laws and anti-bilingual education policies facilitate linguistic profiling that marginalizes communities. Her scholarship consistently bridges academic rigor and community advocacy, emphasizing "el habla del pueblo" (the people's speech) as resistance against top-down language classifications. Her publications reveal enduring themes: language as a site of political struggle (2018-2023), border linguistics examining Tijuana-San Diego dynamics (2013-2016), and historical analyses of Nuyorican language (2004). She challenges harmful frameworks like the U.S. Census Bureau's "linguistically isolated" category while documenting language revitalization efforts in multilingual urban centers. Scientific Awards: British Association of Applied Linguistics Book Prize (1997) Association of Latina and Latino Anthropologists Book Award (1997) Manhattan's "Doctor Ana Celia Zentella Day" declaration (1997) LASA Public Intellectual of the Year (2014) Society for Linguistic Anthropology Public Outreach Award (2016) American Academy of Arts and Sciences induction (2023) Choice Outstanding Academic Title (2018) Zentella actively mentors through community-engaged scholarship, co-authoring Multilingual San Diego (2008) and Multilingual Philadelphia (2010) with undergraduates. Her public outreach includes challenging linguistic erasure and advising policymakers on language-inclusive practices, demonstrating consistent commitment to translating academic work into tangible community impact.

• Anthro-political linguistics
• Sociolinguistics
• U.S. Latin@ language varieties
• +7 more

Szabolcs Pogonyi is an Associate Professor in the Nationalism Studies Program at Central European University. His research focuses on diasporic nation building, transborder minorities, non-resident citizenship, and external voting. Research Interests His work explores the intersection of political theory and nationalism, particularly how citizenship policies, ethnic identity, and transnationalism shape post-communist European societies. He analyzes the role of Hungarian diaspora communities in national reunification and the ethical implications of populism and authoritarianism. Publications Trend Recent articles examine citizenship commodification, transborder kin-state policies, and the erosion of liberal political frameworks. His research emphasizes the interplay between sovereignty, minority rights, and democratic governance in Eastern Europe. Contact Information Email: pogonyi@ceu.edu Office Hours: Tuesday 13:30-15:30, Thursday 13:30-15:30 (by appointment) Location: Vienna, Quellenstrasse 51, Room D417 Phone: +43 1 25230 6128

• Political Theory
• Nationalism Studies
• Transborder Minorities
• +7 more

Dr. Thomas White is a Lecturer in China and Sustainable Development at the Lau China Institute, King’s College London . He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge (2016) and has contributed extensively to environmental anthropology, focusing on Inner Asia’s pastoralist communities and their interactions with state policies. Education: PhD, University of Cambridge (2016) Current Role: Lecturer in China and Sustainable Development, King’s College London Former Role: Research Associate at Mongolia and Inner Asia Studies Unit (MIASU), University of Cambridge (2022-2023) Research Interests span environmental anthropology, human-animal relations, spatial politics, postsocialist transformations, and China’s ecological governance. His work critically examines the Belt and Road Initiative, grassland conservation policies, and the role of nonhumans in state territorial imaginaries. Publications address topics like camel-based connectivity in Inner Mongolia, cosmopolitical ecologies, and the domestication of infrastructure. Key articles analyze how the Chinese state mobilizes narratives of terrain friction and animal labor to construct territorial legitimacy. Projects include the ESRC-funded Trading Mongolia’s Sovereign Meat , which investigates Mongolia-China livestock trade dynamics, and contributions to special issues on spatial transformations in China’s borderlands and multispecies pastoralism in Inner Asia.

• Environmental Anthropology
• Human-Animal Relations
• Political Geography
• +5 more

Łukasz Lewkowicz is an Assistant Professor at the Chair of Political Thought and Political Communication , Institute of Political Science and Administration , Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (Lublin, Poland). He also serves as a Senior Analyst in the Visegrad Group Department at the Institute of Central Europe . With a PhD in Political Science (2011) focusing on Polish-Slovak transborder cooperation, he has held academic roles since 2011 and previously worked at the UMCS Branch Campus in Puławy (2014-2018). Doctoral: Political Science, UMCS (2011) Master's: International Relations, UMCS (2009) Master's: Political Science, UMCS (2007) Research Interests center on Polish-Slovak relations , Slovak domestic and foreign policy , and regional cooperation mechanisms like the Visegrad Group and Three Seas Initiative . His work examines cross-border cooperation in Central Europe , political communication , and geopolitical thought , with a unique focus on speleohistory through studies of 19th-century cave explorers. Recent Publications (2020-2021) analyze Ukraine-Slovak relations , Three Seas Initiative challenges , and pandemic response policies in V4 countries. Earlier works (2011-2019) explore historical dimensions of Polish-Slovak cooperation , paramilitary organizations in interwar Slovakia , and transborder tourism frameworks . Scientific Achievements include: Individual Award IV degree from UMCS Rector (2021) Rector's Award for high-impact article (2020) Multiple UMCS research grants (2013-2018) National scholarships (2006-2011) His International Engagements feature research stays at institutions in Slovenia , Slovakia , Czech Republic , and Lithuania , including lectures under the Erasmus+ program . He has also contributed to policy debates on the Lublin Triangle initiative (2020) and Belarusian crisis (2020) within V4 contexts.

• Polish-Slovak Relations
• Slovak Domestic and Foreign Policy
• Visegrad Group (V4)
• +5 more

Adriana Zuniga serves as an Assistant Research Scientist at the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy and faculty at the University of Arizona's College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA), conducting interdisciplinary research at the nexus of built environments, environmental policy, and social justice. Her academic credentials include: PhD in Arid Lands Resource Sciences with minor in Global Change (University of Arizona, 2015) MS in Architecture with concentration in Design and Energy Conservation (University of Arizona, 2010) Zuniga's research centers on human-landscape interactions through urban greenspace analysis, integrating urban design, water security, public health, and environmental justice frameworks. She employs participatory methodologies with diverse stakeholders across the urban-rural continuum, emphasizing community-driven solutions for resilient and equitable environments. Her work consistently bridges theoretical knowledge with actionable policy outcomes. Her publication portfolio reveals dominant themes in environmental justice within arid-region water systems, socio-ecological urban resilience, and transborder governance. Recent work demonstrates sophisticated integration of earth observation data with community engagement practices, particularly in U.S.-Mexico border contexts. She advances methodological innovations in vulnerability mapping while maintaining strong focus on marginalized communities' lived experiences. Zuniga actively mentors students through hands-on research initiatives like Tucson Verde para Todos, providing real-world learning in green infrastructure planning. She cultivates cross-institutional collaborations with Geography, Public Health, and Natural Resources departments to secure research funding and implement community-centered projects addressing systemic inequities. As core faculty in Udall Center's Environmental Policy Program, she develops decision-maker engagement frameworks that integrate built environment perspectives into water governance. Her team facilitates multi-stakeholder dialogues across the urban-rural spectrum, connecting local projects in Ambos Nogales and Las Cruces to national policy discussions on climate adaptation.

• Human-Landscape Interactions
• Urban Greenspace
• Water Security
• +4 more

Michal Przywara is a researcher at the University of Ostrava's Department of Slavonic Studies within the Faculty of Arts. His work focuses on Polish literature in Cieszyn Silesia (Zaolzie), regional identity in Slavic studies, and comparative literature. He specializes in political satire, dialectal literature, and historical-cultural analyses of borderland regions. Key research themes include: Interwar period literary movements Czech-Polish minority literature Bilingual creative writing Regionalism in 20th century poetry Historical memory studies Publications highlight: Polscy pisarze z Zaolzia związani z Orłową (2023) Humorystyczna twórczość gwarowa (2024) Orlová, Slezsko a střední Evropa (2023) He has advised over 20 theses on topics like: Cieszyn Silesian cultural history Polish underground literature Bilingual education policies Regional folklore preservation International collaborations include work with Polish institutions like the University of Bielsko-Biała and the Cieszyn Historical Society. His research bridges Czech and Polish cultural studies through comparative analysis of borderland literatures.

• Slavic Studies
• Polish Literature
• Regionalism in Literature
• +5 more

Gilberto Lopez is an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University's School of Transborder Studies, specializing in addressing social and health inequities in Latino communities. He is the founding director of El Laboratorio, a research studio tackling social inequities, and a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Institute at Oxford University. His work includes projects like COVIDLatino.org , a health communication campaign for Latinos, and the Migratory Student Summer Academy (MSSA), a STEM program for migrant farmworkers' children. He has received prestigious awards including the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and the Provost Charter Professor Award. Education: Ph.D. in Social and Behavioral Sciences (Harvard University), MPH (Johns Hopkins), MA in Medical Anthropology (Southern Methodist University), BA (Fresno State), and AA (Modesto Junior College). Research focuses on health communication, migration, and social justice. Notable initiatives include the Social and Health Inequities Research Training (SHIRT) program and Cien Cerebritos , a graduate school preparation initiative. Upcoming projects include a culturally tailored cannabis education campaign and the Corrido Lab , an archive exploring Mexican corrido music. Awards: Hermes Creative Award, Dr. Manuel Servin Faculty Award, film festival recognitions Mentorship: Students have advanced to programs at Johns Hopkins, Brown, UC Berkeley, and others. Expertise includes science communication, health disparities, and migration studies. He has advised on federal immigration cases and contributed to media through op-eds with public figures.

• Social Inequities
• Health Communication
• Migration Studies
• +3 more

Toufoul Abou-Hodeib is a Professor in Modern Middle East History at the University of Oslo's Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History (IAKH), where she also serves as program leader for history. Her research merges cultural, social, and material history to examine late Ottoman modernity through domestic life, pilgrimage networks, and transnational intellectual exchanges. Education Ph.D. in History of Culture (2010), University of Chicago M.A. in Social Sciences (2002), University of Amsterdam Bachelor of Architecture (1998), American University of Beirut Research Themes Global circulation of knowledge in the Levant Material culture and class formation Folklore and political aesthetics Refugee temporality and displacement Colonial-modern intersections Teaching "History of the Middle East, 1860-1971" (Oxford, M.Phil.) Gendered labor practices in colonial contexts Methodologies for studying domestic life Languages Arabic, English, French, German, Hebrew, Norwegian, Ottoman Turkish Research Groups YALLA (Everyday Politics and Aesthetics in MENA) History of Capitalism Critical Historiography Migration, Minorities and Diversity

• Modern Middle East History
• Cultural History
• Material Culture
• +5 more

Alíz Nagy is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Human Rights and Politics, Institute of Political and International Studies, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE). She holds a PhD in Sociology from ELTE (2019), an MA in Nationalism Studies from Central European University (2018), and an MA in International Relations with a specialization in International Human Rights from ELTE (2013). Her research focuses on citizenship studies, nationalism, and the impact of Hungarian citizenship policies on transborder communities, with a particular emphasis on legal frameworks and institutional analysis. Her scholarly work examines electoral systems, minority rights, and the interplay between political institutions and civil society in Central and Eastern Europe. She has contributed to the establishment of the CEEPUS Network on Civil Society, Human Rights, and Regime Change in Central and Eastern Europe, which will be active in the academic year 2025/26. Alíz teaches courses on Nationalism, Citizenship, and Academic Writing for International Relations students in both Hungarian and English.

• Citizenship Studies
• Nationalism
• International Human Rights
• +7 more

Dr. Manal Hamzeh is a full Professor and co-founder (2022) of the Department of Borderlands and Ethnic Studies (BEST) at New Mexico State University, serving as director of the BEST Research Center. She pioneered the decolonial research and knowledge creation minor launched in 2024. Her work focuses on decolonial feminist methodologies, borderland solidarity practices, and intersections of gender, sport, and revolution. Her research explores revolutionary movements (e.g., Egyptian Revolution), anti-colonial sport critiques, and marginalized women’s experiences. Key works include Women Resisting Sexual Violence and the Egyptian Revolution and Pedagogies of DeVeiling . She co-created the graphic documentary Three Women of Tahrir (2022). Dr. Hamzeh’s scholarship bridges academic and activist spaces, emphasizing transnational solidarity through praxis. Recent articles (2023) address feminist academia under pandemic pressures and MALCS’ 40th anniversary. Her work spans multiple continents, connecting Palestinian solidarity to Mexico-US border struggles, and critiques FIFA’s policies targeting Muslim athletes. Her pedagogical innovations include co-teaching frameworks between Arab and Mexican feminists, and developing curriculum around Muslim girls’ bodily autonomy. The BEST Research Center under her leadership focuses on decolonizing knowledge systems through art, testimonios, and participatory methods.

• Decolonial Studies
• Feminist Theory
• Borderland Studies
• +4 more

Pr. lect. univ. dr. Ionel Chira is a faculty member at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology 'Ep. Dr. Vasile Coman' within the University of Oradea. His research focuses on the history of the Romanian Orthodox Church, political-religious dynamics, and cultural heritage preservation. Active since 2009, he contributes to theological education and scholarly discourse through publications analyzing church architecture, historical figures, and institutional resilience during turbulent periods. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary challenges facing the church. Position: Lecturer at University of Oradea's Orthodox Theology Faculty Affiliation: Part of a faculty re-established in 1991 continuing the legacy of the 1923 Theological Academy Key Research Areas: Church historiography, Byzantine influences, communist-era church governance His articles explore topics such as theologians' contributions to church history, cross-border religious communities, and architectural heritage. Notable works include analyses of Metropolitan Visarion Puiu's leadership and the role of wooden churches in Transylvanian identity. Dr. Chira's research emphasizes the intersection of political power and religious institutions, particularly in contexts of oppression and cultural change. He maintains active academic engagement through publications in both Romanian and international journals.

• Orthodox Church History
• Religious Studies
• Political-Religious Dynamics
• +3 more

Prof. Zbigniew Kurcz serves as the Institute director and Department head at the University of Wrocław's Institute of Sociology, leading the Department of the Sociology of Borderland. His research focuses on borderland sociology, nationality studies, and national minorities in Poland and Poles abroad. He has authored influential monographs such as Mniejszość polska na Wileńszczyźnie (2005) and edited volumes like Polskie transgranicza (2009). His work explores cross-border interactions, minority integration, and EU impact on border regions. He secured notable scholarships including DAAD and Herder Institute grants, and has supervised 17 doctoral dissertations. Teaching includes nationality issues and borderland studies seminars. Recent publications analyze post-communist transformation and transnational identity dynamics. Research Highlights Borderlands as socio-economic-cultural interfaces German and Polish minorities in post-WWII Europe EU integration's impact on cross-border regions Migrant communities' identity formation Awards & Grants ÖAD Scholarship (Vienna University, 1986) Herder Institute Scholarship (1993) DAAD Scholarship (1997) Visiting Professorship at European University Viadrina (1999/2000) Advising & Grants Supervised 17 PhD students including Tetian Didus and Mariya Kamenskaya. His research has examined transborder universities' roles and regional development strategies in Poland's border areas. Active in EU-funded projects analyzing cross-border governance and socio-economic dynamics. Notable contributions include comparative studies of Wrocław and Leipzig's urban development, and analyses of Romani communities' integration policies. His work bridges sociological theory with policy-relevant analysis of borderland complexities.

• Borderland sociology
• Nationality studies
• National minorities in Poland
• +3 more

Dr. Cora Xu is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Durham University. She is also an Executive Editor of the British Journal of Sociology of Education and holds editorial roles in multiple high-impact journals. Her research focuses on education mobilities, social inequalities, and the sociology of time, particularly in China and transnational contexts. Her upcoming book, The Time Inheritors (2025), explores how time inequalities shape educational trajectories in China. Cora has received funding from the British Sociological Association, ESRC, and the National Social Science Fund of China. She founded the Network for Research into Chinese Education Mobilities (NRCEM), a global interdisciplinary network. Cora holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and has taught at Keele University and Keele (2016–2020). She is currently on research leave (2024–25) and maintains active YouTube and Bilibili channels offering career and academic advice. Her research spans rural-urban divides, ethnic minority experiences, and transnational academic mobilities. Notable works include analyses of Chinese international students in the UK (BBC Radio 4 feature), Gaokao inequalities (South China Morning Post), and geopolitical dimensions of education. Cora has been an external examiner for universities in the UK, Australia, and Hong Kong, and a top peer reviewer for over 30 international journals. Her editorial and review roles reflect her influence in global education studies. Awards include the 2018 Best Early Career Article (shortlisted 2017) and the 2013 Best Paper Award (Emerging Researchers). Her work bridges theoretical frameworks like Bourdieu’s social practice and postcolonial theory with empirical studies, emphasizing class, gender, and temporal dynamics. Current projects include 'democratizing time inheritance' and global educational equity.

• Sociology of Time
• International Student Mobility
• China Studies
• +3 more

Professor Héctor Calderón is a faculty member in the César E. Chávez Department of Chicana/o and Central American Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a leading figure in Chicana/o literary studies, with a focus on Mexican and Latin American literature, border studies, and cultural connections between the U.S. and Mexico. His work spans literary criticism, anthologies, and transnational research. Education: Ph.D. in Latin American Literature with a minor in Comparative Literature, Yale University (1981) M.A. in Spanish Literature, University of California, Irvine (1975) B.S. in Business Administration, UCLA (1968) Calderón’s research explores Chicana/o and Mexican literature within broader cultural and political frameworks, emphasizing border theory, diaspora narratives, and interdisciplinary approaches. His publications include foundational texts like Criticism in the Borderlands (1991), Narratives of Greater Mexico (2005), and The Aztlán Mexican Studies Reader (2018), which received international accolades. Recent essays (2022) examine Los Angeles urban narratives and Hispanoamerican literary history. Scientific Awards: Two Academic Themed Book awards at the 21st Annual International Latino Book Awards Bronze Award at the Independent Publishers Book Awards–Book Series Calderón has mentored 11 Ph.D. students, many of whom hold influential academic roles. His affiliations include founding the César E. Chávez Center for Interdisciplinary Instruction in Chicana/o Studies (1994) and directing the UC Mexico Study Center (2004-2008). He has also contributed to interdisciplinary theory and education through visiting appointments at Stanford and Harvard.

• Chicana/o Literature
• Mexican Literature
• Latin American Literature
• +5 more

Michaela Pelican is Professor of Social and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Cologne, where she also serves as Rector’s Representative for International Affairs and Spokesperson of the Global South Studies Center (GSSC). She leads the international research unit on 'The Production and Reproduction of Social Inequalities' and the DFG research unit 5183 on 'Transborder Mobility and Institutional Dynamics'. Her academic journey includes prior positions at the University of Zurich, Kyoto University, and the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology. Education: PhD in Anthropology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg MA in Anthropology, Philosophy, and Religious Studies, University of Bayreuth Research Interests: Michaela Pelican’s work centers on transnational migration within the Global South, with a focus on Africa-Gulf and Africa-China mobilities. She investigates ethnicity, indigeneity, conflict, and social inequality through innovative audio-visual and participatory methodologies. Her regional expertise spans Cameroon, Gabon, South Africa, the UAE, and southern China. She critically examines how global rights discourses intersect with local identities and how migration shapes citizenship, belonging, and economic practices. Publication Trends: Her recent publications reflect a strong interdisciplinary focus on decolonizing academia, social inequality, and transnational citizenship. She combines ethnographic depth with visual storytelling, often co-producing documentaries and multimedia outputs. Her work increasingly addresses the role of media, performance, and representation in shaping migrant identities and intercultural encounters. Scientific Recognition: Principal Investigator, DFG Research Unit 5183 Director, Conflict-Induced Displacement and Socio-Economic Resilience Project Speaker, Global South Studies Center Cologne Fellow, Morphomata International Center for Advanced Studies (2018/19) Advising and Grants: Michaela Pelican has supervised multiple doctoral theses on African migration to China, intercultural families, and student experiences. She has led major funded projects including 'Chinese Immigration Law and Policy' (2014–2019), 'Global African Entrepreneurs' (2007–2014), and VW-funded research on social inequalities. Her collaborative, interdisciplinary approach involves partners across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Labs and Teams: She leads the research cluster on conflict-induced displacement and socio-economic resilience, co-directs the GSSC, and has developed research-oriented teaching programs in methodology. Her team includes researchers, filmmakers, and students engaged in visual anthropology, migration studies, and participatory fieldwork.

• Social and Cultural Anthropology
• Migration within the Global South
• Ethnicity and Indigeneity
• +17 more