Find Academic Supervisors

Erik Jon BykerView profile

Professor

• Curriculum Foundations
• Educational Technology Integration
• Global Citizenship Education
• +6 more

Dr. Erik Jon Byker is a full Professor in the Department of Reading and Elementary Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), housed within the Cato College of Education (COED). He holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Teaching, and Educational Policy from Michigan State University and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia. His academic roles include membership in the Honors College and leadership of initiatives like the TedXCraverRoad Countdown and the Global-ready Research and Equitable Education in Teaching (GREET) Center. Byker’s research focuses on global citizenship education , educational technology integration , and comparative and international education . He has conducted field studies in India, Cuba, Germany, South Africa, and others, investigating how technology shapes teaching practices and student learning. His work emphasizes critical cosmopolitan theory and participatory action research , particularly through collaborations with organizations like ASER in India. Teaching responsibilities include courses on culturally responsive pedagogy , instructional design , and social studies methods . He also supervises student teaching at Patriots STEM Elementary School and leads study abroad programs in South Africa. Byker has received numerous awards, including the Best Dissertation Award from the South Asia SIG (2013) and multiple recognitions for teaching excellence. His community involvement includes leadership roles in professional organizations like the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES). Recent publications (2023) address global networked learning between German and U.S. students, K-12 cybersecurity practices , and inquiry-based teacher education frameworks . His work bridges international educational research with practical pedagogical innovation.

• Ethnography
• Globalization
• Higher Education
• +6 more

Michael Lanford is an Associate Professor in the Higher Education department at the University of North Georgia. His academic work spans multiple domains, focusing on the intersection of globalization, institutional innovation, and educational equity. Education: Ph.D. in Urban Education Policy from University of Southern California (2017), M.Ed. in Higher Education from University of Hong Kong (2011), M.Mus. in Music Literature from University of Georgia (2005), and B.A. in Music from Colgate University (1999). Dr. Lanford’s research explores the social dimensions of education through relational sociology , life history methodology , and critical race theory . His work addresses institutional culture , digital access challenges , and 21st-century workforce development . Recent publications highlight globalization trends, equity in higher education , and innovation frameworks. His peer-reviewed articles and edited book projects emphasize social justice and inclusive institutional practices . Dr. Lanford teaches advanced courses in educational leadership, including dissertation development , qualitative research methods , and globalization in higher education . He also serves on editorial boards for journals like the Journal of International and Comparative Higher Education and Qualitative Inquiry .

Danielle R AdamsView profile

Assistant Professor

• Psychedelic-assisted therapy
• Dissemination and Implementation Science
• Mental Health Policy
• +5 more

Danielle R Adams is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Missouri , where she focuses on psychedelic-assisted therapy, implementation science, and mental health policy. Her work bridges academic research with community practice to address health equity for marginalized populations. PhD, University of Chicago, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice (2022) MSW, University of Chicago, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice (2018) BA, Roosevelt University (2014) NIMH T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship, Washington University (2024) Dr. Adams’ research examines multilevel strategies to improve mental health service access in under-resourced communities. Key areas include trauma-informed care , psychedelic-assisted therapy implementation , and Medicaid policy reform . Her work often employs mystery shopper methodologies and qualitative system analysis to uncover structural barriers. Recent publications focus on trauma-informed service availability (Pérez-Flores et al., 2024), equitable psychedelic therapy adoption (In press, TBM), and workforce strain in public mental health (Last et al., 2024). Articles from 2023-2025 highlight implementation challenges in safety-net clinics and policy translation. NIMH T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship recipient Dr. Adams teaches SW8953: Evaluative Research in Social Work . Her clinical background includes roles in Chicago Public High Schools and community mental health clinics , which inform her research on low-income, first-generation student mental health.

• Urban Sociology
• Housing Studies
• Residential Trajectories
• +7 more

Teresa Costa Pinto is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at ISCTE-IUL (Higher Institute of Labor and Business Sciences), where she also serves as an Integrated Researcher at DINÂMIA'CET-Iscte – Center for Studies on Socioeconomic Change and Territory. Her academic work is deeply rooted in urban sociology, housing dynamics, and territorial development, with a focus on the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. She has held significant academic leadership roles, including Director and Coordinator of the Master’s in Urban Studies program and Deputy Director of the Department of Sociology. Her research interests include: Urban and housing policies Residential trajectories and social mobility Peri-urban development Social entrepreneurship Urban sustainability and food systems Metropolitan governance The analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on housing as a central axis of urban inequality and policy challenges. Her work spans qualitative and comparative studies on collective housing, tenure models, and the social appropriation of urban space, particularly in the context of architectural authorship (e.g., Álvaro Siza). She investigates how global and local transformations impact housing access, urban resilience, and the lived experience of residents. Her scientific awards are not explicitly listed in the provided text, suggesting no major public honors have been highlighted. However, her sustained involvement in nationally and internationally funded research projects underscores her academic recognition. Teresa Costa Pinto actively supervises and mentors students, particularly within the Master’s in Urban Studies, though specific student names are not listed. She has secured and contributed to multiple research grants, including projects such as SIZA_3CITY, LXHABIDATA, REV, and PERIURBAN, which focus on urban change, housing data platforms, and peri-urban sustainability. She is a key member of the DINÂMIA'CET-Iscte research center, where she collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on urban and territorial studies. Her work integrates sociological theory with applied policy analysis, contributing to both academic discourse and practical urban planning.

Swati VirmaniView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Human-Centric AI
• Digital Good
• Inclusive Smart Cities
• +12 more

Swati Virmani is a Senior Lecturer in Economics at De Montfort University, affiliated with the Leicester Castle Business School within the Faculty of Business and Law. She serves as Deputy Director of the Doctor of Business Administration Programme and is an Associate of the Economics Network. Recognized for her teaching excellence, she was awarded the University Teacher Fellowship in 2023. PhD in Economics – University of Manchester, UK (2014) MA in Economics – Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, India (2009) BA (Hons) Economics – Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, India (2007) Her research focuses on Human-Centric AI, Digital Good, Inclusive Smart Cities, and Innovative Pedagogy. She explores the socio-economic impact of AI, particularly in public relations, education, and urban development. Her teaching expertise includes the Economics of AI, Emerging Markets, and Financial Economics. The recent publications reflect a strong interdisciplinary trend, combining economics with AI, public policy, and pedagogy. Her work emphasizes ethical AI use, workforce transformation, and curriculum innovation, particularly in higher education. She frequently contributes to pedagogic research, advocating for creative, inclusive, and technology-enhanced teaching methods. University Teacher Fellowship (2023) Best New Lecturer Award, Economics Network (2021) Business & Law Faculty Rising Star Award (2020) Nominated for Student Choice Teaching Awards (2023) Nominated for TaLEnt Award for Excellence in Pedagogic Innovation (2021) Swati Virmani actively supervises research students and leads multiple externally and internally funded projects. She is a Co-Investigator on Alan Turing Institute-funded initiatives focused on community engagement in smart cities and public understanding of AI. Her grants reflect a commitment to applied research with societal impact, particularly in education, healthcare, and digital equity. She mentors students working on topics such as transnational education, AI in customer experience, medical entrepreneurship, and diversity in PR. She leads the Academic Innovation Project at DMU titled 'Enhance your subject specialism by embracing AI creatively' and is involved in initiatives leveraging LEGO® Serious Play® and AI for pedagogical development. She is also a Project Lead for 'Humane AI and Digital Good' in Indonesia, focusing on AI-assisted mental health interventions for youth. Her work is deeply collaborative, involving cross-institutional and international partnerships.

Riccardo TuratiView profile

Assistant Professor

• International Migration
• Globalization
• Political Economy
• +3 more

Riccardo Turati is a Serra Hunter Assistant Professor at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona's Department of Applied Economics. He holds a PhD in Economics from the Catholic University of Louvain (2020). His research focuses on international migration, globalization's socio-political impacts, and cultural economics. He is an international fellow at the Institut Convergences Migration and a corresponding member of IRES (UCLouvain). Key projects include the RURALITIC initiative (2025–2028) exploring rural revival strategies and Roots, Assimilation and Culture (2024–2027) analyzing immigrant integration factors. He also contributed to studies on demographic challenges and public policies ( Social and Territorial Cohesion , 2022–2025) and cultural fracture among immigrants in Barcelona (2022). His research outputs span topics like second-generation immigrants' political preferences, religiosity's role in prosocial behavior, and the economic implications of birthplace diversity. He actively mentors PhD students and collaborates internationally, with notable engagements in Europe and MENA regions.

Asma Chiha Ep HarbiView profile

Researcher

• Techno-economic analysis
• 5G networks
• Network slicing
• +3 more

Asma Chiha Ep Harbi is a postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University's Faculty of Engineering and Architecture , affiliated with the Department of Information Technology and IMEC. Specializing in techno-economic analysis of 5G networks , her work focuses on network slicing, cross-border mobility solutions, and satellite-5G integration. Her research addresses key challenges in cooperative, connected, and automated mobility (CCAM) through projects like 5G-CARMEN and 5G-Blueprint. She develops cost allocation models for network slicing and analyzes deployment strategies for vehicle-to-infrastructure communication systems, with particular emphasis on cross-border environments between Italy and Austria. Recent publications examine broadband inflight connectivity economics, MEC clustering for seamless mobility services, and business model frameworks for teleoperated transport. While no specific awards are listed, her work has been cited in multiple high-impact journals including Transport Policy and Journal of Network and Systems Management .

• Political Science
• Sociology of Religion
• Nonreligion Studies
• +8 more

Jussi Westinen is a Postdoctoral Researcher active in the field of Politics, with a strong focus on sociological and political dynamics in Finland. His research spans political behavior, religious and non-religious identities, regional disparities, and social stratification. He frequently contributes to academic publications in collaboration with Finnish research teams. His research interests lie at the intersection of political science and sociology, particularly in nonreligion, religious boundaries, voting behavior, gender divides in politics, and regional differentiation . His recent work explores how family background and generational cohort influence cultural knowledge and how secular and religious individuals conceptualize the sacred. He also investigates tactical voting and polarization in Finnish parliamentary elections. The analysis of his 2024 publications reveals a consistent focus on Finnish society, using statistical and qualitative methods to examine social fragmentation and value change. His work often appears in policy-relevant reports and peer-reviewed journals, with a clear emphasis on empirical analysis and societal implications. While no scientific awards are currently listed, his contributions to commissioned reports and academic journals indicate active engagement in public and scholarly discourse. He has collaborated extensively with researchers such as Elina Kestilä-Kekkonen, Jussi Sipinen, and Anna Grönlund, suggesting integration into a broader research network. Jussi Westinen is involved in research teams producing the Eduskuntavaalitutkimus (Parliamentary Election Study) and contributes to publications by the Ministry of Justice of Finland. His work is often published under open access, enhancing its reach and policy relevance.

Anna-Lena SchönauerView profile

Professor

• Empirical Social Research
• Digitalization in Social Work
• Social Inequality and Poverty
• +10 more

Anna-Lena Schönauer is a Professor of Empirical Social Research with a focus on quantitative methods at Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences, where she is affiliated with the Department of Social Work and Health. Her research integrates sociology, social work, and digital transformation, with a strong emphasis on empirical and quantitative methodologies. Her research interests include: Digitalization in social work and its acceptance Social inequality, poverty, and climate change Civic engagement and participation in energy transitions Protest movements and societal polarization Public services in rural areas Social entrepreneurship and migration The recent publications of Anna-Lena Schönauer reveal a consistent focus on empirical investigations into societal attitudes, especially regarding digital transformation in social professions, energy policy participation, and social cohesion. Her work frequently employs quantitative and mixed-methods approaches to analyze polarization, volunteerism, and inequality. Many studies are contextualized within German regions like the Ruhr area, emphasizing spatial and sociostructural disparities. She often collaborates with researchers such as Fabian Beckmann and Sabrina Glanz, contributing to interdisciplinary dialogues on sustainability, democracy, and social change. Anna-Lena Schönauer has held significant academic and research roles, including: Professor for Empirical Social Research at Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences (since 2023) Acting Professor at Ruhr University Bochum (2021) Research Assistant at Ruhr University Bochum (2011–2022) Consultant at InWIS Research & Consulting GmbH (2019–2023) She completed her doctorate at Ruhr University Bochum in 2015 and studied social sciences there from 2006 to 2011. No scientific awards or grants are listed in the provided text. She has contributed to numerous collaborative research projects on civic engagement, refugee integration, digitalization, and social inequality. Her work is deeply embedded in applied social research, often informing policy and practice in social work and public services.

Janine Pinkow-LäppleView profile

Researcher

• International Migration
• (Social) Remittances
• Migration & Gender
• +3 more

Janine Pinkow-Läpple is a doctoral student at the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Central and Eastern Europe (IAMO), affiliated with the Department of Agricultural Sector Framework Conditions and Policy Analysis (Agrarpolitik). Her research focuses on migration studies, particularly social/intangible remittances, gender norms, and development cooperation in Southeast Europe. Education: Political Science and Public Administration (University of Konstanz), Peace Research and International Politics (Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen) Her work explores how migration shapes social structures, with a regional emphasis on Kosovo and Croatia. She has contributed to the TRaFFF project and conducted qualitative research on topics like female return migration, rural entrepreneurship, and intangible remittance transfer. Her recent publications analyze the transformative role of return migrants in Southeast Europe, focusing on (social) remittances, gender norm shifts, and development potential. Conference presentations highlight cross-border comparisons and transnational family/business dynamics. She collaborates with Judith Möllers and Thomas Dufhues and has presented at IMISCOE, InASEA, and international conferences on migration and development.

• International Trade
• Regional and Urban Economics
• Economic Geography
• +7 more

Jorge Díaz Lanchas is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Economics at the Comillas Pontifical University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (ICADE), where he has been a faculty member since at least 2025. He holds a PhD and Master’s in Economics from the Autonomous University of Madrid and a Bachelor’s in Economics from Rey Juan Carlos University. His academic profile is complemented by research appointments at Harvard University, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (2017–2021), and a role in Spain’s National Office of Foresight and Strategy in 2023. PhD in Economics, Autonomous University of Madrid Master's in International Economics and Development, Autonomous University of Madrid Graduate in Economics, Rey Juan Carlos University His research focuses on international trade, regional and urban economics, economic geography, and European public opinion . He employs advanced econometric and spatial modeling techniques to analyze trade flows, transport infrastructure impacts, and regional disparities. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals such as Regional Studies , Journal of Regional Science , and Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society . The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent focus on spatial econometrics, trade policy, infrastructure investment, and regional development in the EU context, with increasing attention to political economy and public policy evaluation. Awarded by the Royal Spanish Academy of Doctors (2017) for doctoral thesis Member, National Office of Foresight and Strategy, Cabinet of the Prime Minister of Spain (2023) Researcher, Joint Research Centre, European Commission (2017–2021) Postdoctoral Visiting Scholar, Harvard University External certifications from ANECA for academic positions Díaz Lanchas has supervised no listed students in the provided data but has led significant research initiatives, including co-directing the Observatory Global Futures . He has secured research funding through affiliations with the European Commission and national policy bodies. His teaching includes macroeconomics, world economy, data analytics, and executive education programs for major corporations such as BBVA, Santander, El Corte Inglés, and Repsol. He also provides consulting and research analysis for firms specializing in public policy (2021–2024). He leads or contributes to major research teams at the intersection of economics and public policy, particularly through his work at the European Commission and the National Office of Foresight and Strategy. His current research agenda emphasizes the interplay between economic structures, governance, and public attitudes in shaping EU integration and regional development.

• Development Informatics
• Community Empowerment
• Information Systems
• +6 more

Misita Anwar is a Lecturer in Business Analytics and Information Systems at the School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship , Swinburne University of Technology. Her research focuses on the intersection of technology, socio-economic structures, and community empowerment, particularly in developing countries like Bangladesh and Indonesia. Development Informatics Digital Governance ICT for Community Resilience Cybersecurity Capacity Building Climate Change Mitigation Recent publications address IoT security, data governance in urban contexts, and AI adoption in small businesses. Her work emphasizes participatory design, community-driven solutions, and addressing digital divides through culturally sensitive frameworks. Google Gift 2022 - Award for Inclusion Research Active grants from DFAT, Griffith University, and Oceania Cyber Security Centre Chaired AP iNextGen Committee of iSchool She supervises PhD and Master's research projects related to socio-technical systems, cybersecurity behavior, and organizational restructuring.

Nikki LoganView profile

Professor

• Special Education
• Teacher Preparation
• Educational Partnerships
• +3 more

Nikki Logan is a Professor and Special Education Program Coordinator in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she has served since 2013. She co-advises the Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) and previously taught at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Her career spans academic instruction, research on teacher preparation, and community partnerships addressing rural special education needs. Education: Ph.D. in Urban Education: Exceptional Education, UW-Milwaukee, 2015 M.S. in Exceptional Education, UW-Milwaukee, 2008 B.S. in Education, UW-Milwaukee, 2006 Logan's research centers on university-school clinical partnerships, teacher preparation for rural settings, and autism education. She investigates graduate/undergraduate perceptions in courses and alternative licensure pathways, with recent work emphasizing pandemic-era remote learning challenges and parental experiences. Her scholarship bridges academic theory with practical classroom solutions. Her 2021-2024 publications reveal a consistent focus on rural special education teacher shortages, university-district collaborations, and autism-specific remote learning strategies. Key trends include pandemic-driven adaptations in special education, evidence-based course redesign, and community-based clinical partnerships to address workforce gaps. Scientific Awards: 2022 UW-Stevens Point Excellence in Teaching Award 2022 University Leadership Mentor Award 2017 University Leadership Mentor Award 2017 Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society Honorary Faculty Inductee Logan mentors graduate students pursuing special education licenses and collaborates with undergraduates on research leading to publications. She secured the UWSP College of Professional Studies Tech Select Grant for technology integration in courses, and her leadership mentorship earned university recognition in 2017 and 2022. She leads the Special Education Department as Program Coordinator and co-advises SCEC, while directing community partnerships with Marathon County and Waupaca School District for pre-clinical teacher training in rural settings.

ABDULKADIR ZORLUView profile

Associate Professor

• Economic Sociology
• Sociology of Consumption
• Urban Sociology
• +3 more

Abdulkadir Zorlu is an Associate Professor in the Sociology Department at Kırıkkale University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences , where he has worked since 2002. His research focuses on Economic Sociology , Sociology of Consumption , and Urban Sociology , with recent comparative studies on Mevlana and Ibn Khaldun. Education : B.A. in Sociology (Hacettepe University, 1994), M.A. in Sociology (2002), Ph.D. in Sociology (2002). Zorlu's publications include books like Sociology of Consumption (2019) and Understanding Shopping Malls (2018), alongside analyses of Eastern thinkers. His work explores consumption patterns, urban-rural dynamics, and sociological interpretations of classical theories. Recent articles highlight comparative analyses of Eastern philosophical systems (Mevlana vs. Ibn Khaldun), theoretical frameworks for consumption, and historical studies of Ottoman-era advertising. These reflect interdisciplinary engagement with sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies. Professional Experience : Research Assistant at Kırıkkale University (1994–2002), Research Assistant at Hacettepe University (1999–2003), Faculty Member at Kırıkkale University (2002–present).

Shirley PorterfieldView profile

Professor

• Disability Policy
• Health Economics
• Caregiving Dynamics
• +3 more

Shirley Porterfield is a Professor in the Department of Public Policy Administration and Department of Social Work at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL). Her research intersects health economics, disability studies, and gerontology, focusing on caregiving dynamics, retirement savings, and policy impacts on vulnerable populations. She has extensively studied transitions to adulthood for individuals with disabilities, financial implications of caregiving, and rural development challenges. Email: porterfields@umsl.edu Office: 469 SSB, UMSL Recent publications highlight her work on unintentional injuries in Chinese children with developmental disabilities (2023), caregiving and net worth correlations (2023), and medication management for cognitively impaired elderly (2022). Her career spans decades, with a focus on rural telecommunications policy, food security, and health insurance equity. Despite no listed awards, her interdisciplinary scholarship bridges social work, public health, and economic policy.